HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

“How long have I been asleep?” Althea’s mind struggled to grasp what had just occurred. Had she truly fallen asleep, or had she simply blacked out? The only certainty was that when she finally opened her eyes, she found herself lying weakly on the cold floor. Her entire body ached in multiple places, joints throbbing with discomfort, and her toes felt numb and icy from resting directly against the bare wooden boards.

But above all else, a pressing question burned in her mind: “What time is it?”

Slowly, she forced herself upright, wincing as sharp pains blossomed in her limbs. The dizziness still clung to her, making the room sway ever so slightly. She scanned her surroundings—the familiar walls of her bedroom remained unchanged, untouched by anyone’s presence. No sign that someone had entered or cared enough to check on her.

“What were you expecting, Althea?” she murmured bitterly, a sad smile tugging at her lips. “That someone in this house would actually come looking for me? Just because I wasn’t seen doing my usual chores?” The thought felt hollow. “They’re probably hoping I’m already gone.”

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she glanced toward the wall clock. One in the morning. The quiet ticking seemed louder in the stillness of the house.

“It’s already this late… and I still have so much left to do.”

Despite the exhaustion weighing her down, she knew she couldn’t continue without eating something first. A few ingredients remained tucked away in the refrigerator—just enough for a simple, quiet meal to keep her strength up.

“I can’t afford to get sick now,” she told herself firmly, pushing herself to her feet and stepping out of her room.

The house was shrouded in silence, bathed in the soft, muted glow of night lights casting gentle shadows on the walls. At this hour, everyone was likely deep in sleep, leaving the kitchen hers alone for a little while longer—one last time.

She felt a pang of sadness at the thought. God, she was going to miss the Callister kitchen.

As she neared the hallway leading to the kitchen, a low hum of an engine drifted through the stillness, catching her attention. She stopped and turned toward the window. The front porch light flickered on briefly, then went dark again. Someone had just pulled into the driveway.

Moments later, the front door creaked open.

Daven.

He appeared utterly drained, his blazer carelessly draped over one arm, his tie hanging loose around his neck as if he had long forgotten to fix it. Althea stayed hidden in the shadow of the living room entrance, greeting him softly.

“What are you doing up so late, Mrs. Althea?”

The voice startled her, and she quickly turned around, offering a gentle smile.

“Oh, did I wake you? Was I too loud?”

“Not at all,” Lena replied swiftly. “I’m used to being awake at this hour, Mrs. Althea.”

Althea felt a flicker of gratitude. At least someone here still cared.

“Lena, could you please take this to Mr. Daven’s room? But if he’s already asleep, just leave it on the small table by the window. Please don’t disturb him.”

To Lena, Althea was the very picture of quiet heartbreak. Despite the way the people in this house treated her, she still smiled—almost as if she had already forgiven them, as if none of it ever hurt. Especially Mr. Daven. If Lena had been in Althea’s place, she would have left this house long ago.