HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 313

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

**Chapter 313**

“Her blood pressure is plummeting again! Get her to the operating room, immediately!” The urgency in the doctor’s voice reverberated through the sterile hospital corridor, each word punctuated by the frantic cadence of hurried footsteps.

Riana felt a wave of despair wash over her as she clutched her chest, her heart racing. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she whispered a desperate plea, “God, please… don’t let her lose everything.” The weight of the moment bore down on her, suffocating her with fear.

Beside her, Lydia sat in her wheelchair, her hands trembling as they clutched together tightly, as if holding on could somehow change the outcome. “She hasn’t even heard any news about Chase yet,” Lydia murmured, her voice barely rising above a whisper, filled with a haunting fragility.

Suddenly, the doors to the operating room swung open with a force that seemed to echo the chaos of the moment. A doctor emerged, his expression grim and serious, a stark contrast to the frantic energy that surrounded them. “We’re preparing for emergency surgery. The bleeding is severe,” he announced, his words heavy with the gravity of the situation.

“Surgery?” Riana echoed, her voice rising in pitch. “Isn’t there any other option?” The thought of her loved one undergoing such a procedure filled her with dread.

“We’ve exhausted all other possibilities,” the doctor replied, his tone clipped and urgent. “Mrs. Althea’s condition is deteriorating at an alarming rate. We need the family’s authorization—now.”

“I’ll take responsibility,” Riana insisted, stepping forward with determination. “I can—”

But before she could finish, a deep, authoritative voice sliced through the chaos. “No. I’m the one who’s authorized.”

Every head in the corridor turned in unison to the figure standing at the end, a commanding presence in a dark suit. Daven stood there, his face taut with tension, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a mixture of anguish and resolve.

“Daven…” Kate’s voice faltered, barely escaping her lips. “How did you—how did you find out?” Her disbelief hung in the air, mingling with the tension.

“Chase’s lawyer called me,” Daven replied quietly, locking his gaze with the doctor, his expression unyielding. “I was informed about a legal document—something Chase signed before he left.”

The lawyer, who had been lingering beside a nurse, stepped forward, a folder in hand. “That’s correct, Mrs. Callister. According to the notarized statement, if Mrs. Althea Miller ever faces a life-threatening medical emergency, the decision-making authority is granted to Mr. Daven Callister.”

Riana’s hand flew to her mouth, her voice shaking as she gasped, “Oh, God… Chase, what were you thinking?” The realization of Chase’s decision struck her like a physical blow.

Kate stared at Daven, her expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief. “He chose you? But why?” The question hung heavy in the air, demanding an answer.

Daven inhaled deeply, his breath shaky. “He once asked me to look after them… but I never imagined it would come to this.” The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders.

The doctor’s urgency escalated. “We don’t have much time. If we don’t act immediately, we could lose them both.”

Riana’s composure shattered. “No! Please, no! Don’t let that happen, Doctor. She’s my daughter-in-law—I’m begging you.” Her voice cracked with desperation, tears streaming down her face.

Kate’s voice trembled as she tried to maintain her steadiness. “Daven, you know what needs to be done.”

But Daven bowed his head, his jaw clenched tightly. “I can’t choose between them… this isn’t a choice I should have to make.”

Lydia wheeled herself closer, her eyes reflecting quiet strength and understanding. “But you’re the only one who can decide now. Chase trusted you, Daven. He knew you’d think like a father… not just a man who’s lost someone.”

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