HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 333

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 333**

“Grace, sweetheart, are you absolutely certain you don’t want to take your teddy bear along?” Althea’s voice was gentle, laced with a hint of concern as she carefully adjusted the tiny sunhat perched atop her four-year-old daughter’s head. The hat was a pale yellow, adorned with little daisies, and it framed Grace’s cherubic face perfectly.

“No need, Mommy! Teddy gets scared when it rains,” Grace giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she swung her little bunny-shaped bag over her shoulder, the soft fabric bouncing playfully against her back.

From his position on the sofa, Josh raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “Grace, didn’t you say just last week that Teddy was the bravest bear ever?”

Grace shot back with a quickness that only a child could muster, “He’s brave when he’s with Daddy!” Her voice was filled with a blend of innocence and conviction. “But Daddy’s busy right now.”

Just then, Daven appeared at the top of the staircase, his half-buttoned suit giving him a slightly disheveled yet charming look. He paused mid-step, a playful grin breaking across his face as he caught wind of the conversation. “Who said Daddy’s busy?” he called out, his tone light and teasing.

Grace’s face lit up as she turned toward him, her little legs propelling her across the room in a rush. She wrapped her arms around his legs, squeezing tightly as if he were her anchor. “Daddy! You’re coming with us?”

“Of course I am,” Daven replied, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. “I promised to take you to the playground today, and a promise like that is sacred.”

Althea shook her head, the corners of her mouth twitching upward as she tried to suppress a smile. “You were supposed to leave thirty minutes ago, Daven. The meeting at Callister Group isn’t going to wait for you.”

“I already sent a quick text to Arsen,” he said nonchalantly, waving away her concerns with a casual flick of his wrist. “He can kick off the meeting without me for a little while. The entire company won’t crumble just because its CEO decides to take his daughter to the playground.”

Josh chuckled, enjoying the banter. “Dad, that’s the same excuse you used last week, remember?”

“And it worked like a charm then, didn’t it?” Daven shot back, casting a knowing glance at Althea, who rolled her eyes in mock exasperation but couldn’t hide her amusement.

With a sigh, she handed him a small lunchbox, its contents carefully packed. “Fine. But after this, you go straight to the office. No detours.”

Daven set Grace down gently, ruffling Josh’s hair affectionately. “You’re in charge of Mommy today, alright? Make sure she doesn’t spend too long glued to that computer.”

Josh nodded with exaggerated seriousness, puffing out his chest. “Yes, sir! I’ll keep her in line.”

As they settled into the car, the vehicle glided smoothly through the quiet streets leading toward the city playground. From the backseat, Grace began to hum a cheerful tune, her little voice weaving a tapestry of warmth and joy that filled the air.

“I never thought…” Althea began, her gaze drifting out the window, lost in a sea of thoughts.

“Thought what?” Daven inquired, his tone relaxed, encouraging her to share her musings.

“That life could feel this peaceful,” she murmured softly, her heart swelling with a sense of contentment. “Back then, I never realized that happiness could be as simple as just taking our kids to the park.”

Daven smiled, keeping his focus on the road ahead, the sunlight casting a warm glow on his face. “I didn’t either. I guess I was too busy chasing after things that never truly brought me joy.”

“And now?” she probed quietly, her curiosity piqued.

“Now I know where I belong,” he replied, his voice gentle and sincere. “Moving Callister Group’s headquarters to SunCity wasn’t just a business decision. It was about ensuring that every time I come home, I get to see you all.”

For a fleeting moment, Althea fell silent, her eyes fixed on him, reflecting years of gratitude and unspoken love. “You make it look so easy, Daven.”

“It’s not always easy,” he confessed, glancing at her with a small, knowing smile. “But for you and the kids… it’s always worth it.”

“Daddy, look!” Grace suddenly squealed from the backseat, her excitement bubbling over. “That’s my new park!”

Daven chuckled, his heart swelling with affection. “Alright, little princess. Let’s see if that park is big enough to hold your smile.”

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