HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 239

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

**Chapter 239**

The following day dawned bright and inviting, with Althea, Chase, and Josh already reveling in the sun-kissed beauty of the beach. True to his promise, Chase had secured a secluded stretch of coastline, a hidden gem far removed from the bustling throngs of tourists that typically crowded the popular spots. Before them lay an expansive canvas of pristine white sand, where the gentle waves rolled in rhythmically, their soft whispers mingling with the salty breeze that danced through Althea’s hair.

With an infectious burst of laughter, Josh sprinted toward the inviting sand, his excitement palpable as he raced ahead, closely followed by a staff member Chase had thoughtfully assigned to keep an eye on him. The little boy wasted no time, diving into his project of crafting a sandcastle that leaned precariously to one side, his concentration evident in the furrow of his brow. This left Althea and Chase to meander leisurely along the water’s edge, their footsteps leaving temporary imprints in the soft, yielding sand.

“I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that you actually went through with this,” Althea said, her voice still tinged with awe and disbelief. “Renting an entire beach just for us is beyond generous. But… truly, thank you. Watching Josh laugh like that—it makes every effort worthwhile.” Her heart swelled with appreciation, the weight of her worries momentarily lifted.

“For you, more than anyone else,” Chase replied, a hint of seriousness in his tone as he slipped his hands into his pockets, grounding himself against the tide of emotions swirling within him. “You deserve peace, Althea. After everything you’ve faced, I want you to finally experience a moment of breath without the shadow of fear looming over you. And as for Josh, he deserves happiness too. As long as he’s within my reach, I’ll ensure he feels it.”

They strolled slowly, savoring the moment as their feet sank into the cool, damp sand. The afternoon sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue across the surface of the shimmering sea. Yet, for Chase, the breathtaking vista of the horizon and the fiery sky paled in comparison to the sight of the woman walking beside him.

Althea was captivating. She seemed blissfully unaware of the beauty she exuded. Her dark brown hair tumbled freely around her shoulders, tousled by the playful sea breeze in a way that made her appear vibrantly alive. Clad in a simple white sundress that brushed just above her knees, the lightweight fabric fluttered around her, teasing glimpses of her sun-kissed skin.

A soft cream cardigan rested lightly on her shoulders, adding a touch of understated elegance to her otherwise uncomplicated ensemble. In her hand, she held her sandals carelessly, letting her bare toes sink into the cool, inviting sand beneath them.

The fading sunlight caressed her face, bestowing a natural, warm blush upon her cheeks. The strong line of her jaw, softened by the calmness in her eyes, made her appear less like a mere woman and more like a living work of art, a portrait painted by nature itself.

Chase swallowed hard, grappling with the torrent of feelings he had long kept at bay. God, she was stunning. It wasn’t merely her outward appearance that captivated him; it was everything that made her who she was—her scars, her sadness, her courage, and her gentleness.

His mind echoed with the words she had once spoken to him after he had bared his heart. “I’m not worthy of your love, Chase. You’d be better off finding someone else. Not me.” Even now, that rejection haunted him like a specter, lingering in the corners of his thoughts.

But to Chase, that was precisely why he could never cease loving her. Because beneath those words lay the heart of a mother fiercely protective of her child. The humility of a woman who failed to recognize just how precious she truly was.

To him, Althea was irreplaceable.

Chase stole another glance at her, unable to tear his gaze away. He understood that this love he felt was not born of obsession. It wasn’t fragile, nor did it seek to possess. It was vast, pure, and sincere. From the depths of his heart, he yearned only to see Althea smile, unburdened by worry. He wanted to be her steadfast companion, to shield her from the world if it ever dared to inflict pain upon her again.

If I could, he thought fervently, I would dismantle every wall that makes you doubt, Althea. I want you to know… you deserve to be loved. You deserve happiness. And I will be the one to give it to you.

“If I still loved him, wouldn’t his divorce present an opportunity for me to return? But look at what I’ve done instead,” she continued, her tone light but her words heavy with meaning.

Chase kept his eyes closed, relishing the moment, the connection they shared. “I’m here. With you and Josh. Learning to trust the love you have to offer—that’s what I deserve.”

He opened his eyes, and before either of them could overthink the moment, he leaned in and captured her lips in a quick, unexpected kiss. It was brief, yet it left Althea momentarily startled, her breath hitching in surprise.

“You know?” he murmured as he pulled back, a smile playing on his lips. “Those are the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard.”

Althea smiled shyly, ducking her head in playful embarrassment. “Don’t make me blush out here, Chase.”

Leaning in closer, his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “If I said I wanted more than just a walk on the beach, would you refuse me?”

Althea arched an eyebrow, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. “What do you mean?”