HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 246

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 246**

As the car rolled to a stop in front of the grand lobby, Andy turned to Mr. Daven with a bright smile, “We’ve arrived, Mr. Daven.” He swiftly exited the vehicle, eager to assist the young master.

The moment the door swung open, Josh’s eyes widened in astonishment, and a beaming grin spread across his face. “Thank you, Uncle Driver!” he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement.

Andy chuckled softly, offering a polite nod. “My name’s Andy, Young Master Josh.”

“Ah, Uncle Andy! Got it—I’ll remember that!” Josh declared, hopping out of the car as if propelled by sheer enthusiasm. He turned his gaze towards Daven, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Is this your office, Mr. Handsome?”

“Indeed it is,” Daven replied, his voice smooth and confident. He surveyed the building, feeling a swell of pride. “What do you think?”

Josh’s eyes widened further, taking in the impressive structure. “Wow, it’s amazing! Uncle Chris once told me about a blue building here in SunCity. He said that one belongs to GrandDad.”

Daven raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And who’s GrandDad?”

“Daddy Chase’s father,” Josh replied nonchalantly, as if discussing the weather. “I can visit him there if it’s something important with Uncle Chris or Daddy. But GrandDad’s hardly ever at the office. He’s busy taking care of Leo and Nyu.”

Daven felt a pang in his chest. It was evident that Josh spent considerable time with the Millers. He knew he shouldn’t be surprised—Josh had always shared a close bond with Chase. Yet, the acceptance of this reality weighed heavily on him.

No, he admonished himself. Now was not the time for such thoughts. The mere opportunity to spend time with Josh was a precious gift he couldn’t take for granted.

“Would you like to see my office?” Daven asked, trying to keep his tone light and inviting.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” Josh hesitated, his eyes widening with uncertainty.

“Absolutely. Why wouldn’t it be?” Daven reassured him, his heart swelling with warmth.

“Well… what if I bother you?” Josh shifted his weight from one foot to the other, caught between his manners and his insatiable curiosity. When would he ever get another chance to see the office of the man he admired so much? What wonders awaited him inside? Did Daven have a cool paper shredder? A chair that spun around? Or perhaps a high floor with a breathtaking view of the entire city?

“You won’t bother me,” Daven promised, his smile genuine and encouraging. “Come on. I know you’re curious.” He extended his hand, silently hoping the boy wouldn’t shy away.

Josh’s face lit up like a beacon. Without a moment’s hesitation, he grasped Daven’s large hand tightly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Let’s go! I can’t wait to see Mr. Handsome’s office!”

Daven felt a tightening in his chest, a surge of joy at the simple connection of that small hand in his. If only this bond could remain unbroken. But he was acutely aware of the boundaries he could not cross—not freely, not recklessly. So, for as long as he had this moment, he would cherish it deeply.

“Arsen prepared some drawing books and colored pencils,” Daven mentioned, slowing his pace to match Josh’s smaller steps. “There are storybooks too. I hope you’ll enjoy them.”

“Of course I do! I want to color while you work, Mr. Handsome. You don’t mind, do you?” Josh asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“So, Mr. Handsome,” Josh piped up, his voice bright and innocent, “you’ve never brought a friend like me here before?”

“A friend like you?” Daven echoed, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

“Uh-huh. A kid like me,” Josh clarified, his enthusiasm palpable.

Daven’s steps faltered for a moment, a sharp ache piercing through his heart. No, Josh… you’re the only one. You should have been with me all along.

Yet, he forced a small smile, bending down slightly to meet Josh’s gaze. “Never. You’re the first.”

Josh beamed, pride evident in his voice. “Then I’m your very first office friend?”

“I guess you are,” Daven replied, his heart swelling with warmth.

“Oh! Did you know? Yesterday I went to White Beach with Mommy and ‘Daddy’ Chase. I went diving with Daddy—he showed me the coral reefs, the clownfish, and then we sunbathed on the sand. Daddy Chase also taught me how to fly a kite. But then the wind was too strong, and it snapped, and Mommy laughed while I got really mad!” Josh recounted, his words tumbling out in a rush of excitement.

Daven maintained a calm expression, listening intently, but inside, jealousy gnawed at him, sharp and relentless. That should’ve been me. I should’ve taken you to the beach, shown you the ocean’s beauty, stood by your side while you laughed under the sun. I should’ve been the one to hear Althea’s laughter, standing there with you both.

“Would you… would you like it if someday I took you on a trip?” The words slipped from his lips in a near whisper, tinged with a deep sense of regret. Why had he been so careless?