HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 318

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 318**

“Mommy, look! Grace is smiling!”

Josh’s jubilant exclamation shattered the tranquil ambiance that enveloped the cozy living room, filling it with a warmth that seemed to dance in the sunlight streaming through the window.

Althea lifted her gaze from the plush armchair where she cradled her baby, her expression softening despite the shadows of fatigue that lingered in her eyes. “Yes, sweetheart… she always smiles when she hears your voice.”

Josh let out a delighted giggle, his small chest puffing out with pride as he gazed adoringly at his baby sister. “That means she likes me!”

“Of course she does,” Althea replied, her voice thickening with emotion as an unexpected wave of tenderness washed over her.

“Everyone likes you.”

—

From her vantage point behind the large, sunlit window, Lydia observed the tender scene unfold, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Seated in her wheelchair, she tapped her fingers lightly against the wooden armrest, the rhythm a soothing counterpoint to the moment. “You’re doing wonderfully, Althea. Chase would be so proud of you.”

Althea turned her head, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I’m just… trying to survive, Lydia. Some days, it feels like I’m navigating through a thick fog. But every time I look at the kids…”

Her voice trailed off, replaced by a bittersweet smile that spoke volumes of her struggle. “They remind me to keep breathing.”

Lydia nodded, her expression filled with quiet understanding. “And they’ll keep doing that for you.”

“Will I really be able to do it?”

Lydia met her gaze, her eyes steady and imbued with a strength that seemed to radiate warmth. “You will. You’re one of the strongest women I know—someone who never surrenders easily. Remember, you have Josh and Grace. And you have me, Althea.”

Althea paused, the weight of her friend’s words sinking in like a comforting balm.

“Not just us,” Lydia continued gently, her voice a soft caress. “You have a family who cares about you. You’ll never be alone—just as Chase wanted. We’ll always be here.”

—

As the day unfolded, an unmistakable shift permeated the atmosphere within the Miller household. The staff bustled through the main hall with purpose, arranging papers and folders across the long, polished wooden table, their movements brisk and efficient. At the far end of the room, Riana Miller sat alongside Daniel, both of them waiting with palpable anticipation for the family’s lawyer to arrive.

“Is Althea ready?” Riana inquired softly, her eyes flickering toward Lydia, who was a steady presence in the room.

“Not completely,” Lydia admitted, her brow furrowing slightly. “But she said she’d come. I think… she feels she must.”

—

Just then, her gaze drifted toward the staircase, and Althea emerged slowly, cradling baby Grace in her arms with a tender protectiveness.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” Althea said with a polite smile as she settled into the seat that had been prepared for her. Josh immediately took his place beside her, his little hand clasping hers tightly, as if anchoring her to the moment.

Moments later, Daven Callister arrived. He paused at the doorway, uncertainty etched across his face, as if he were weighing the decision to step inside against the gravity of the situation.

Riana offered him a warm, encouraging smile. “Come in, Daven. Chase wanted you to be here.”

He inclined his head slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I… just don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding,” Daniel interjected, his tone both firm and reassuring. “You were his friend.”

Friend.

The word hung in the air, and Daven almost scoffed at the label. Could anyone truly define their bond with such a simple term? The sting of it resonated deep within him—not because he rejected the idea, but because it fell so woefully short of the complexity of his feelings.

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