HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 38

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 38**

“As you can see,” Althea began, her voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of emotion, “there’s nothing here that you would deem valuable. But to me, every single item I’ve packed holds immense significance. Each piece is a treasure in its own right.” With a deliberate motion, she bent down and lifted her gown, the fabric shimmering softly in the light. She extended it toward Kalina, her eyes unwavering. “Please, put it back exactly as it was, before you carelessly scattered everything around.”

Kalina’s scoff echoed through the room, thick with contempt. “What did you just say?” she retorted, her tone dripping with disdain. “Who do you think you are, giving me orders?”

“I am Althea Grayson,” she replied, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the tension in the air. “And as I mentioned, if you didn’t find what you were accusing me of stealing, the least you can do is take responsibility for the chaos you’ve caused among my belongings. My suitcase is a complete mess now. So, clean it up.”

Felicia’s voice cut through the silence like a knife. “You’ve got to be kidding,” she snapped, rolling her eyes with exaggerated irritation.

“I’m not,” Althea said firmly, her gaze sweeping across the group, meeting each of their eyes with an unwavering intensity. “I never asked any of you to like me, but these are my possessions. No matter how trivial or inexpensive they may appear to you, they deserve to be treated with respect. You may not see their value, but to someone else, they could represent something far more precious. Worth isn’t always measured by price tags, Felicia.”

Felicia’s irritation morphed into a dismissive huff. “So what? What’s your problem?” she shot back, her impatience palpable.

“Fix it,” Althea reiterated, her voice firm and resolute. “You too, Kalina. And that goes for you as well, Mrs. Callister.”

Vanessa’s laughter rang out, mocking and sharp. “Who do you think you are, barking orders like that?”

“I already told you, I’m Althea Grayson. Are you deaf?” Althea shot her a piercing glare, her patience wearing thin. “And let me make it clear—I never wanted to be in this house in the first place. All I asked for was a proper burial for my mother, and for that, I am genuinely grateful to Daven Callister. I had no interest in becoming his wife.”

She took a steadying breath, grounding herself in the moment. Facing four individuals who looked ready to pounce on her, she stood her ground, her resolve unyielding. It didn’t matter anymore; this was the last time she would ever have to share a space with them.

“Daven!” Kate interjected sharply, her voice laced with disbelief. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Darling!” Vanessa rushed to his side, her tone urgent. “Why are you helping her? Let her clean up her own—”

But before she could finish her sentence, Daven brushed her hand away with a decisive motion. “If you want to avoid prolonging this situation any further, I suggest you remain quiet. You were all so eager to throw her out, weren’t you? She was ready to leave—until you decided to tear through her belongings like vultures. And now what? You expect her to tidy up after your mess?”

Kate’s face flushed with anger, her body tense.

“If you truly want her gone, then help her pack,” Daven stated, his voice unwavering. “If not, don’t interfere with my decision to assist her.”