HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Vanessa’s hand shot up once more, this time propelled by a fierce, burning anger. She aimed to leave a mark—maybe even break Althea’s lip if luck was on her side.

“Enough, Vanessa!”

Before the blow could land, Daven caught her wrist mid-swing, halting her movement with a firm grip.

Vanessa stared at him, disbelief and hurt mingling in her eyes. “What are you doing, Daven?” she asked, voice trembling.

“Stop,” he said quietly, tightening his hold—not out of anger, but to make it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate any more violence.

But calm was already slipping away. Vanessa’s body shook, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“You’re… defending her now?” she whispered, her voice breaking as heartbreak seeped through every word.

“I’m not defending her,” Daven replied softly.

“Then what is this?” she snapped, wrenching her hand free from his grasp. “Why is she in your bed? What were you two doing?!”

Althea’s voice was small and hesitant. “We didn’t do anything. I’m sorry if it looks bad—”

“I’M NOT TALKING TO YOU, YOU BITCH!” Vanessa screamed, spinning around with venom flashing in her eyes.

“Vanessa, listen to me,” Daven said sharply, rubbing his temples as frustration bubbled beneath his calm exterior. “What Althea said is true. We di—”

“Daven!” Vanessa’s voice cracked as she interrupted, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Have you already forgotten everything we’ve been through? She’s just an outsider! She’s manipulating you, and you’re falling for it!”

Taking a shaky breath, she continued, “She’s nobody!”

“No,” Daven said firmly. “She’s my wife, Vanessa.”

Vanessa froze, her breath catching in her throat.

“At least until the agreement between us ends. And you know that,” he added.

“You think this is what I wanted, Vanessa?” Daven interrupted sharply. “You have no idea how difficult this has been for me.”

“Then why is she still here?” Vanessa shot back, wiping away her tears fiercely, her voice trembling with bitterness. “I was devastated when your grandmother passed, but part of me felt relieved. Because I thought—finally, finally—nothing stands between us anymore. But then what do you do? You grant this woman her ridiculous request!”

“Vanessa—”

“No!” she snapped, her tone sharp and commanding. “I want an answer today, Daven. Right now. I can’t keep living like this—seeing her face every day, acting like she belongs here, acting like your wife. While I… I’m still waiting.”

Daven’s breath caught, and he froze.

“Or have you already moved on?” she whispered, eyes searching his for any sign of truth. “Was it really that easy? To forget me… to forget us? Just because of her?”

“That’s not true,” Daven said immediately, his voice low but steady. “I love you, Vanessa.”

“Then choose,” she demanded, her voice now cold and unwavering. “Choose me… or her.”