HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 323

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

**Chapter 323**

The quaint little restaurant nestled in a serene corner of SunCity radiated a sense of warmth and tranquility that evening, its soft golden lights casting a gentle glow that danced across the glass walls. Althea found herself seated across from Daven at a cozy table by the window, with the soothing sound of a fine drizzle whispering against the roof above them, creating a symphony of serenity that enveloped them.

Earlier in the evening, Lydia had left with Cale, taking Josh and Grace along for what seemed like a spontaneous outing. Just before they departed, Lydia had flashed a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Consider this your night off,” she had teased, leaving Althea with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

Now, an enveloping silence settled between Althea and Daven—comfortable, yet tinged with an undercurrent of uncertainty. Althea fidgeted with the napkin in her lap, smoothing its edges, while Daven appeared absorbed in the menu, his eyes scanning the words without truly seeing them.

“It’s been ages since we’ve had a dinner like this,” Althea finally said, her voice a soft murmur that broke the stillness.

Daven lifted his gaze, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. “If memory serves me right, the last time we shared a meal like this was at Josh’s school meeting last year,” he replied, a hint of nostalgia in his tone.

Althea chuckled lightly, the sound warming the air between them. “And even then, you went in my place because Grace was running a fever,” she reminded him, shaking her head at the memory.

“And Josh scolded me for not even knowing his teacher’s name,” Daven added, his laughter low and genuine, a sound that seemed to lighten the atmosphere.

The tension that had been brewing began to dissipate, as though the shared laughter had opened a door to a more comfortable space. Just then, a waiter approached with their drinks, offering them a moment of respite amidst the swirling emotions.

“I know this was a bit sudden,” Althea said, her gaze drifting towards the rain-soaked window, watching the droplets race each other down the glass. “Lydia orchestrated all of this, didn’t she?”

Daven nodded, taking a sip of his drink, the cool liquid a welcome contrast to the warmth of the restaurant. “I think so. She mentioned I needed a break—from all the meetings and late nights,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude for her intervention.

“She also mentioned that I needed time to… talk,” Althea murmured, her tone hesitant, as if the very word held weight.

Daven’s eyes met hers, curiosity flickering within them. “Talk? About what?” he inquired, leaning slightly closer, his interest piqued.

Her fingers traced the rim of her glass, a nervous gesture that belied her calm exterior. She met his gaze for a fleeting moment before looking down again, the weight of her thoughts pressing heavily upon her. “About… us. About how much has changed over the past two years,” she finally confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

He fell silent, the air thick with unspoken words as he contemplated her statement. “A lot has changed,” he finally said, his breath steady yet laden with emotion. “I never imagined I would find myself this close to you and the kids again. There was a time I believed you would never want to see me again.”

“I thought the same,” Althea admitted, her voice soft and vulnerable. “But I suppose time has a way of mending things that seem irreparable.”

“Not just time,” Daven said gently, his tone sincere. “You did that. You’re the reason I want to be better.”

Her breath hitched at his words, each syllable resonating deep within her. A stirring sensation began to rise within her, a feeling she had kept locked away, now bubbling to the surface.

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