HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

To say Althea wasn’t wounded would be a falsehood. Claiming she felt no sadness or disappointment would be sheer hypocrisy. Yet, what power did she truly hold to alter the course of events unfolding around her? Even the man she had once trusted implicitly—the one she believed would never betray her—had become the very first to shatter her heart into pieces.

Althea was far from oblivious. She saw clearly how Daven made no attempt to conceal his affair with his lover. Still, in the presence of his grandmother, he expertly donned the flawless mask of a devoted, attentive husband.

“God,” she murmured softly, her eyes squeezed shut as darkness wrapped itself tightly around the night. Tomorrow awaited—a day she would have to face once more. “Please, have mercy on me. Just a little kindness, Lord. I beg you… grant me this one small grace.”

When Althea had voiced her wish to Daven, she had never truly believed he would consent.

That was precisely why she could not afford to squander this—perhaps her only—chance.

A child.

Althea longed for a child. A companion to walk beside her in the years to come. Someone she could love unconditionally. Someone who would call her “Mama”—even if that were the only tender word she might ever hear spoken to her in this life.

And deep down, she knew… this might be her one and only opportunity.

She had no one else left in the world. She would not ask for anything else from Daven. In fact, she had already resolved to vanish quietly afterward—to live far away with her child, in a place where Daven would never come. Because by then, he would surely be busy building his perfect life with the woman he truly loved.

That was her secret hope. No matter how many might label it foolish or insane, she clung to it. With every fiber of her being, she prayed that God would show mercy. That her wish would be granted.

And so, that very morning, Althea stood before the tall mirror in her private room. Her delicate fingers adjusted the soft fringe of her freshly trimmed bangs. Hesitant, yet determined, she smiled at her own reflection. Her makeup was subtle—not overdone, but enough to enhance a beauty she rarely allowed herself to reveal.

Today, she wanted to look beautiful.

She wore a simple nude-colored dress that gently hugged her slender, graceful frame. A soft smile played on her lips as her hand brushed the smooth fabric. This morning, she planned to prepare a special breakfast for Daven.

“I’m ready,” she whispered to herself. “If only Daven would come into the kitchen and hold me—” She stopped, cheeks flushing with warmth.

Images from the romantic novels she had once devoured flickered through her mind—vivid scenes of husband and wife wrapped in affection, their love igniting passion in every corner of the home.

“How naive can you be, Althea?” she chastised herself quietly. “Daven would never do anything like that.”

Yet… isn’t hope often found perched just beyond the edge of the impossible? That fragile hope was cruelly shattered the moment the doorbell rang downstairs—followed by the unmistakable click of high heels and a sharp, mocking laugh.

“Who could that be?” Althea wondered as she slowly descended the stairs. The gentle smile she had practiced before the mirror began to fade, replaced by a calm but guarded expression.

In the living room, a woman sat with an air of absolute confidence. She wore a striking maroon jumpsuit paired with gleaming high heels.

Vanessa Blake.

Arrogant. Stunning. Fully aware of the power her presence commanded. Her face was exactly as it appeared on television screens and countless advertisements. Althea had to admit—Vanessa looked every bit the goddess who had descended from the heavens.

Unfortunately, her smile and manners told a very different story. Especially when aimed at Althea.

“Oh?” Vanessa turned, her eyes sweeping over Althea from head to toe. A smirk curved her lips, dripping with disdain. “So, you do know how to dress up, after all.”

Althea remained composed. “Is there something I can assist you with, Miss Vanessa?”

“Oh, straight to the point, huh?” Vanessa rose gracefully, lightly tapping her designer bag resting on her lap. “Aren’t you going to offer me something? A drink, perhaps?” With practiced ease, she tossed her long hair over one shoulder. “I would think you’d at least know your place. In this house, you’re the one who should be serving guests. Your face certainly fits the role, Althea.”

Althea chose to smile, though inside, her heart tightened.

“I’m not here for idle chatter,” Vanessa sneered. “I just stopped by to see for myself what my fiancé is doing with a woman who clearly doesn’t know her place. I thought you were bluffing when you asked Daven for time, but now I see—you’ve truly lost your mind.”

“I’m still capable of thinking clearly, Miss Vanessa,” Althea replied evenly.

Vanessa let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “Clear-headed? Dressed like this? Hoping to seduce Daven?” She stepped forward, eyes blazing with fury. “You’re nothing but a cheap woman!”

Before Vanessa could reach for her dress, Althea acted swiftly. Her hand shot out, gripping Vanessa’s wrist firmly—just enough to halt her.

“I don’t care what you think of me, Miss Vanessa. But as of now, I am still Daven Callister’s wife.”

Her gaze held steady. Her grip remained firm.

“Watch your boundaries, you bitch!” Vanessa snarled, but then laughter bubbled up—quiet at first, then sharp and brittle, like glass shattering. “Oh, sweetheart… that title—‘Daven Callister’s wife’—exists only on paper. Everyone knows that.”

“And everyone also knows your wedding hasn’t happened yet,” Althea responded softly, but with clear conviction. “So until that day arrives, I remain his wife. And I intend to fulfill that role properly, Miss Vanessa.”

Vanessa narrowed her eyes. “You really think you can touch him? That you can make him sleep with you? You’re pathetic.”

“I’m not expecting anything,” Althea said, lifting her chin slightly. “You don’t need to feel threatened by all this, do you? After all, hasn’t it already been decided who the real winner is?” She released her hold and stepped back, unwilling to touch the woman Daven truly loved any longer than necessary.

If it weren’t for the sheer strength of her resolve, Althea might have broken down in tears simply from facing Vanessa this morning.

Vanessa massaged the wrist Althea had held. That damn woman! How dare she? She wouldn’t let this go. Althea would pay—every bit.

“You know, Althea, I’ve always wondered…” Vanessa said slowly, her words cutting like knives, “why Daven ever agreed to marry you. You’re nobody. No prestigious background, no powerful connections, not even a name worth mentioning.”

If those words had come from Kate Callister, her mother-in-law, Althea might have accepted them with some grace. But coming from Vanessa—an outsider who, unfortunately, was regarded like family within the Callister circle—they stung deeper than ever. Vanessa could say anything to Althea, and no one would stop her.

Althea said nothing, standing with forced calm. She knew Vanessa was probing, searching for any weakness to exploit. And God, how hard she fought to keep the tears at bay.

“I used to think Daven married you out of pity. But now, I think… maybe he’s finally realized just how greedy you really are. You act quiet, pretend to be innocent—but behind that false purity, you’re sly, aren’t you?”

“That’s enough, Miss Vanessa,” Althea said quietly. “If you came here just to insult me, I won’t waste my time. I have no intention of humiliating anyone.”

Not in the slightest.

“I’m asking all of you to end this argument. I need peace and quiet.” His tone was flat, emotionless, but firm enough to silence the room.

Kate scoffed in irritation. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, fine. I’ll have breakfast elsewhere.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away, followed closely by Karina and Felicia—both still casting scornful looks at Althea as they passed. Vanessa remained, glaring at Althea with barely concealed rage before finally storming off, her footsteps sharp and irritated.

Once the four had vanished from the living room, silence settled like a heavy blanket.

Daven rubbed his face slowly, looking utterly drained. “Whatever’s going on between you all, don’t make it my problem this morning.”

Althea, who had stood quietly despite the turmoil tearing at her heart, finally summoned the courage to meet her husband’s gaze. Her voice was soft but steady.

“Then please let me prepare your breakfast. It’ll only take five minutes. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

Daven didn’t answer right away. He studied her expression, unreadable. After a moment, he gave a brief nod. “Fine. Just don’t waste my time.”

Althea nodded slightly in return and quietly turned toward the kitchen. Five minutes later, she reappeared carrying a tray neatly arranged with toast, a sunny-side-up egg, and a steaming cup of coffee—even the napkin was folded with care.

Daven was already seated at the dining table, scrolling through documents on his tablet.

“Here,” Althea said softly, setting the tray down in front of him. “I know it’s simple, but… I hope it helps you start your day right.”

Daven glanced at the food briefly, then began eating without a word.

Althea pulled out a chair and sat across from him, folding her hands in her lap. Her lips parted hesitantly, then she spoke.

“You haven’t forgotten your promise, have you?” she asked gently. “I just wanted to remind you.”

Daven set down his fork and knife, meeting her gaze with a neutral expression. “No.”

Althea gave a small nod. “Then I’ll do my part as your wife—as I should. I’ll prepare your breakfast, make sure you don’t forget any important documents for work,” she said with a faint smile, “and everything else a married couple might normally do.”

Daven sighed, massaging his temples briefly. “I don’t want any unnecessary drama. You know the limits, Althea. Don’t make me regret agreeing to this.”

“I won’t make you regret it,” Althea replied, steadying herself. Her brown eyes locked onto his without hesitation. “Just one thing this morning… I only want to ask for one thing.”

Daven returned her gaze, his expression indifferent. “What is it?”

“Could you give me… a morning kiss?”