HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 336

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

**Chapter 336**

“Take it easy, Lydia. You’re not in a race here,” Cale called out, a light chuckle escaping his lips as he observed her careful movements with the cane.

“I don’t need a personal trainer scrutinizing every single step I take,” she shot back, a hint of annoyance lacing her tone.

“I’m not scrutinizing; I’m merely reminding you,” he replied, his voice playful yet warm.

“What’s the difference?” she retorted, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

“My version sounds a tad more courteous,” he said with a smirk, clearly enjoying their banter.

With a half-annoyed glance over her shoulder, Lydia couldn’t help but feel a flicker of amusement. “You know, Cale? Sometimes I think you come here just to get under my skin.”

“That’s just a delightful bonus,” he replied casually. “The primary reason I’m here is to ensure you don’t take a tumble.”

“I can maintain my balance perfectly well, thank you very much,” she asserted, a hint of pride in her voice.

“Sure, after two months of me catching you every time you nearly kissed the ground,” he countered, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Lydia huffed softly, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her with a small smile. “You really enjoy bragging, don’t you?”

“I prefer to call it stating facts,” he replied, his tone light.

“Facts that are irritating,” she shot back, though her tone was more playful than serious.

“Facts that show I care,” he said, his voice softening.

At that, Lydia paused, the weight of his words sinking in. She made her way to a nearby park bench, settling down with a sigh. Cale joined her, leaving a respectful distance between them as if to honor the moment. The late afternoon breeze danced through the air, stirring the strands of her hair, which had grown a little longer since they first met.

“See?” she said, glancing out at the trees swaying gently in the wind. “I made it all the way here without falling.”

Cale’s smile was warm and genuine. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Don’t say it like you’re a parent praising their child,” she replied, rolling her eyes playfully.

“Apologies. But I genuinely mean it,” he insisted, his sincerity evident in his tone.

She turned to look at him, searching for any hint of insincerity. “You’re serious?”

“Absolutely. I still remember your first day of therapy—you nearly threw your cane at me.”

“That was because you wouldn’t stop talking,” she reminded him, a smile creeping back onto her face.

“And now?” he asked, leaning in slightly, curiosity etched on his features.

“Now I still sometimes want to throw it at you,” she admitted, laughter bubbling up.

Cale chuckled, the sound light and infectious. “Fair enough. Just as long as you don’t actually do it.”

“You’re incredibly confident,” she remarked, shaking her head in disbelief.

“I have to be. How else could I handle someone as stubborn as you?” he replied, a teasing glimmer in his eyes.

She regarded him for a moment, her expression softening. “You know, Cale… I used to think you were only here out of pity.”

“Used to,” he echoed, his tone shifting slightly.

“Yeah. But I see I was mistaken,” she confessed, a newfound understanding dawning upon her.

Cale studied her intently, his gaze unwavering. “Are you sure you don’t want me to deny that?”

“There’s no need for that,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know now… you care because that’s just who you are. You don’t need a reason to be kind.”

He nodded slowly, his expression softening even more. “And you know what? I don’t regret a single thing.”

“What do you regret?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

“Never holding back from pushing you to keep fighting,” he replied earnestly.

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