HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 236

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**

**Chapter 236**

A tightening sensation gripped Daven’s chest, a sharp pang of regret piercing through him like thorns. If only the hands of time could rewind, he would have never let her slip away. He would have never so carelessly cast Althea aside, nor would he have allowed her to be crushed under the weight of his obsession with another woman. But time, unyielding and relentless, did not bend to his will. The bitter truth loomed before him—he had fashioned this chasm all on his own.

Daven inhaled deeply, shutting his eyes momentarily as if to shield himself from the harsh reality. A sudden realization struck him with a clarity that felt almost cruel—perhaps this was fate’s doing. Perhaps he was destined to accept that Althea was no longer a part of his life.

Strangely enough, beneath the ache that settled in his heart, there flickered a small flame of solace. He found comfort in knowing that Althea was now with someone who recognized her true worth, someone gentle like Chase Miller. A man who could protect her, cherish her in every way that mattered, without ever comparing her to anyone else or diminishing her spirit. That was better, infinitely better than the pain she had endured with him—the man who had only ever brought her sorrow.

Maybe this was the toll for all the sins he had committed. He had forfeited the right to approach her, to intrude upon the life of a woman who now radiated a brilliance that he could never dim.

With a slow exhale, he allowed his gaze to linger on the screen one last time, as if trying to etch her image into the depths of his memory. Althea’s smile in that photograph felt eternal—a haunting reminder of everything he had lost, something irreplaceable, something that would never return.

“Keep me updated on the divorce hearing with Vanessa. I want it settled as soon as possible—don’t let it drag on,” Daven instructed, passing the tablet back to Arsen. “And once we’re back in Mighatan, I’ll be altering some of my work schedules.”

When Daven mentioned changing his schedules, it was a euphemism for endless nights filled with work, back-to-back meetings, and likely new rounds of negotiations with investors. It meant torment for Arsen and every department under the Callister Group.

Their CEO’s way of coping with his inner turmoil was through relentless work, pouring himself into tasks as if they could somehow fill the void left by Althea.

***

Meanwhile, across the city, a sleek black car glided to a stop in front of the hotel lobby. Althea stepped out, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She was immediately greeted by one of her attorneys, who held out a modest bouquet of flowers. He had arrived earlier in a separate vehicle, waiting patiently in the lobby for her arrival.

“Congratulations once again, Miss Althea. Today’s ruling was a monumental victory. You’ve cleared your name,” the man said, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

Althea dipped her head in gratitude, warmth flooding her cheeks. “Thank you. Without all of you, I wouldn’t have been able to stay this strong.”

“And without your own courage, none of this would have been possible,” Adrian added, his tone earnest. “Our role is simply to stand beside clients who possess the truth and the evidence to defend it.”

They exchanged a few more words of encouragement before Althea turned toward the lobby. But just as she reached the elevators, her steps faltered, her breath catching in her throat.

There, waiting for her, was an enormous bouquet of pristine white roses, tied delicately with a shimmering silver ribbon, her name elegantly inscribed at the center.

“Really?!” Josh’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Absolutely. With candy inside,” Chase added with a playful wink.

Josh clapped his hands, bouncing on his feet with glee. “Yay! Mommy, Uncle Chase is the best!”

Althea watched the two of them, a mix of amusement and warmth swelling in her chest. “The more I see you two together, the more I realize you’ve formed an alliance just to ignore my warnings.”

“It would be a shame not to celebrate a day like this,” Chase murmured, slipping an arm around her shoulders in a gesture so tender it took her breath away. “I’ve already arranged lunch for you. I’m sure you skipped it, didn’t you?”

Ah, he was right. She hadn’t even considered food amidst the whirlwind of emotions and events.

“I asked the hotel’s top chef to prepare everything,” he continued, his voice smooth and reassuring. “So how about we put this chocolate bouquet debate on hold and focus on lunch instead?”

“Of course,” Althea replied, unable to suppress the smile that blossomed on her face. “And I’m sure Josh is more than ready to taste whatever delicious food this hotel has to offer, aren’t you?”