HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

“Just wait, Mom,” Vanessa said softly, her lips curving into a bright, hopeful smile. “Once our wedding is over, everything will fall into place perfectly.”

Her eyes flicked toward the staircase, gleaming with quiet determination. She was eager—no, desperate—to prove to that brazen woman exactly who truly belonged in this house.

Why was Althea still lingering around? Did she have no sense of decency at all?

Across the table, Daven remained silent, his face unreadable as he absentmindedly swirled the spoon in his coffee cup. The buzz of wedding plans—venues, decorations, catering—washed over him like white noise, failing to capture his attention.

“Sweetheart, you’ve seen the reception venue, haven’t you?” Vanessa asked, her voice dripping with sugary enthusiasm. “Did you like it?”

Daven took a deliberate sip before setting his cup down with care. “It’s nice,” he replied, his tone flat and distant.

“Just nice?” she pressed, a hint of disappointment creeping in.

“I need to get to the office,” he said, rising from his chair with a measured calm.

“But we’ve just started breakfast,” Vanessa protested, glancing at the untouched toast she’d prepared. “You haven’t even taken a bite. Or would you prefer something else?”

He exhaled quietly. “No, it’s fine, love. Arsen’s waiting. We have a meeting this morning.”

Vanessa’s smile faded, replaced by a shadow of hurt. “Alright… if that’s really how it is.”

Though his expression remained composed, Daven’s mind was elsewhere—not on the meeting, nor on Vanessa’s disappointed face. Instead, his thoughts drifted back to the warm lemon tea and the small plate of cookies that had been quietly left in his room the night before. Lena had told him they were from Althea. Simple tea and cookies, nothing extravagant, yet somehow they had brought him more comfort than anything else he’d tasted that morning.

Then, a sound broke the quiet, pulling every gaze in the room.

Kalina and Felicia exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with smug excitement. “Yes, Mommy,” they chorused, as if they had rehearsed this moment endlessly.

Althea turned calmly to face Kate, her gaze steady and unshaken. “I only packed my personal belongings. But if you wish to check, be my guest.”

Kate let out a dry chuckle and grabbed one of the suitcases. “How very confident of you, you shameless woman. If I find even one valuable thing in here, you’ll regret ever crossing me.”

“Mom,” Daven finally spoke, stepping forward firmly. “That’s enough. There’s no need for this.”

“No need for what, Daven?” Kate snapped, irritation flashing in her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be at work? Didn’t you say you had a meeting this morning? Go take care of that.”

“Just let her leave. I’m sure there’s nothing valuable—”

“Why do you always defend her?” Kate’s voice sharpened with suspicion. Her gaze narrowed as she stared at her son. “Have you forgotten who this woman really is?”