HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 39

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 39**

“Thank you,” Althea replied, her voice icy, yet eerily composed.

The words hung in the air, directed at Daven, who had been insistent on offering his assistance. Lena trailed behind them quietly, her footsteps soft against the polished marble as she escorted Althea to the front door. Daven, burdened with one of the suitcases, remained mute, the silence stretching between them like a chasm since the tumultuous scene that had unfolded in the dining room, a tempest sparked by his own mother.

“I’ll drive you,” Daven finally broke the silence, his voice low but resolute.

Althea shook her head with unwavering determination. “That won’t be necessary. You need to focus on your work. I’m sure there’s a mountain of tasks waiting for you.” She cast a fleeting glance at the watch encircling her wrist, its ticking a reminder of the fleeting time. “The person picking me up will be here any moment.”

“Just tell me where you’re headed, and I’ll take you. I refuse to let you leave alone,” he insisted, his tone leaving no room for dissent.

“Don’t make this more difficult than it already is,” Althea replied, a faint smile flickering across her lips. “I’m not someone significant to you anymore. Or have you conveniently forgotten what you declared yesterday?”

Daven felt a lump form in his throat. How could he forget? Each word he had uttered that fateful morning was etched into his mind, replaying like a haunting melody. The way Althea had looked at him then, her gaze distant and contemplative, followed by a smile that had both captivated and tormented him ever since. It wasn’t just her beauty that struck him; it was the sorrow woven into that smile, a depth of sadness that threatened to shatter his heart.

“You were right,” Althea continued, her voice steady, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability. “I was the one trying to force something that was never meant to be. I should have recognized that sooner. I was fortunate to have played even a minor role in your life.”

She fixed her gaze straight ahead, her expression resolute. “Thank you again, Daven. I genuinely hope… you find your happiness.”

“I just want to ensure you arrive safely. Why is that so wrong—”

It wasn’t long before Kate and her daughters, drawn by the commotion, approached the front entrance where Althea stood unwavering. Initially, none of them intended to come closer; they saw no reason to feign a farewell, as if they were there to wish her well. Heaven forbid Althea believed she was important enough to merit a proper goodbye. But the sound of Vanessa’s raised voice prompted them to rush out, concern flickering across their faces, fearing that the situation might escalate.

“I told you from the start,” Kate declared, her voice sharp and biting, “that woman brings nothing but trouble! And now she’s causing a scene again?”

Yet Althea remained unperturbed. She stood there, a figure of quiet resilience, unaffected by the harsh words and scornful glances. There was no longer any reason for her to care about their opinions. She simply waited—for the car that would whisk her away from this place for good. With calm precision, she busied herself with her handbag, ensuring that nothing was left behind.

Moments later, a white sedan glided into the driveway, its arrival seemingly choreographed to coincide with her wait. The vehicle halted right beside her, a beacon of escape.

Lena, positioned just behind Althea, stepped forward slightly and whispered, “I think your ride is here, Ma’am.”