HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“Do I even need to say goodbye?” Althea asked, a bitter laugh escaping her lips as she stepped out of the car. Her gaze lingered on the house she had called home for the past year—a place that hadn’t offered her many moments of joy, yet somehow, she felt a quiet gratitude. She had been part of this chapter of her life, and for that, a small part of her was thankful. Especially for the chance to stand beside someone as kind and genuine as Evelyn Callister, Daven’s grandmother.

Softly, almost to herself, she whispered, “I won’t forget you, Omma. I’ll come visit tomorrow, but… I’m sorry. This might be the last time.” Her fingers clenched tighter around the strap of her bag, a subtle sign of the turmoil inside. “Tonight is my last night here.”

The moment she crossed the threshold of the Callister house, cold, sharp eyes met her, filled with disdain. Felicia’s gaze swept over her with a sneer, while Kalina coughed theatrically, though the contempt in her eyes was unmistakable.

“Wow, she really has no shame,” Kalina muttered to Felicia, her voice loud enough for Althea to catch every word.

Felicia crossed her arms tightly, adding with a cruel edge, “As if it’s not obvious who Daven chose.”

Kate sat on the living room sofa, legs crossed, observing her daughters with a look of quiet satisfaction. They were right, she thought. Althea had the audacity to walk into this house with her head held high, still pretending she belonged here—as if she mattered.

“You should’ve known your place from the start, Althea,” Kate said coldly. “Daven’s made his choice. It’s time you learned when to walk away.”

But Althea didn’t flinch. Instead, she returned a soft, serene smile—so calm it almost felt like a quiet challenge.

“Good afternoon, Mother-in-law. Sisters-in-law,” she greeted them politely, holding up the small bag in her hand. “I brought some fresh bread from your favorite bakery. Shall I serve it?”

That simple gesture seemed to ignite their fury, yet Althea’s voice remained steady, her expression composed, her warm brown eyes free from any hint of sarcasm or bitterness.

Althea gave a quiet nod, her politeness unwavering, before turning away and retreating to her room. A strange heaviness pressed on her chest today—a weight that had made each breath feel difficult since morning. But she told herself it was okay. This was how it was meant to end.

Even if she had only spent one night by Daven’s side, she clung to a fragile hope—that maybe, just maybe, her wish would come true. Without that hope, she would never have humbled herself in front of all of them.

“God, please don’t let all of this be for nothing,” she whispered, her hand instinctively resting on her still-flat stomach. Her eyes swept around the room—her room, or at least the one she had claimed as hers for so long. It was filled with memories, but now, it was time to let go.

Slowly, she began packing the rest of her belongings.

“Just a little more,” she murmured, a weary smile tugging at her lips. It was true—over the past few weeks, she had been quietly preparing herself, deciding what to keep and what to leave behind. She refused to let the Callister family think she was some ungrateful woman, shamelessly clinging to things that had never truly belonged to her.