HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 46

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

**Chapter 46**

As Althea stepped into the teachers’ lounge, she was greeted by the familiar hum of morning chatter. “Good morning, everyone,” she said, her voice warm and inviting, like a ray of sunshine breaking through a cloudy sky.

“Morning, Althea,” came the chorus of responses, a few voices rising above the rest. Several colleagues offered her polite smiles that hinted at camaraderie, their faces brightening at her presence.

Tony, the ever-enthusiastic P.E. teacher, was the first to break from his seat, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did you bring breakfast again?” he asked, his excitement palpable. “Perfect timing—my coffee just finished brewing.”

Maria, the math teacher, rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Couldn’t you have stopped by the bakery on your way in?” she muttered, obviously unimpressed by Tony’s buoyant energy.

Tony chuckled, brushing off her comment. “What’s wrong with hoping for a miracle?” he replied, a grin plastered across his face.

Althea’s heart warmed at the exchange. “I did bring some,” she said, her smile radiating kindness. “Josh liked it, so I made a little extra.”

With a flourish, she pulled out a paper bag, revealing golden-brown raisin toast. The room was immediately enveloped in the sweet, buttery aroma, drawing several hungry glances and making stomachs rumble in unison.

“Help yourselves,” she encouraged, her voice laced with warmth, inviting everyone to partake in her small offering.

“Wow, you really do know your way around the kitchen,” Maria remarked, a hint of reluctant admiration creeping into her voice, despite her earlier skepticism.

“Could I get the recipe, Miss Althea?” Rosa chimed in, her eyes sparkling with delight after tasting a slice of the toast. “It’s delicious! Not too sweet—perfect for tea.”

“Or coffee!” Tony interjected, his enthusiasm infectious, as he reached for another piece.

Althea beamed at their appreciation. Moments like this were what she had yearned for—quiet, peaceful days where life flowed gently, untainted by judgment or dismissive glances. Just warmth, simplicity, and the genuine connection of shared laughter.

Suddenly, a voice broke through her reverie. “Miss Grayson?”

All heads turned toward the doorway, where Chase Miller, the school principal, stood with a curious expression, his brows slightly raised as he surveyed the small gathering in the corner.

“What’s going on here?” he asked, genuinely puzzled by the scene before him.

“Oh, Mr. Principal,” Maria chuckled softly, her tone light. “We’re just taste-testing Miss Althea’s homemade toast.”

Chase nodded slowly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.

“In that case,” Chase said, a soft, determined smile breaking through his earlier frustration, “would you have dinner with me?”

His interest in her had never been a secret. Initially, he had treated her as any professional would—respectful and courteous. But as time passed, he found himself increasingly captivated by her essence. There was something uniquely grounding about Althea, a quiet strength that drew him in deeper. He had fallen—hard.

“I mean dinner with Josh, of course,” he added quickly, a chuckle escaping his lips. “I’d never forget about him. So? What do you think?”

Chase’s heart raced with hope, silently pleading, God, just this once—please don’t let her turn me down again.

Althea hesitated, clearly taken aback by the unexpected invitation. “I’m sorry, Mr. Miller. But I already promised Josh I’d take him to the bookstore this evening.”

“Then let me take you both,” Chase offered quickly, his voice unwavering with hope. “After the bookstore, we can grab dinner together. How about that?”

Althea was aware that many people often remarked on her beauty and warm personality, claiming she was blessed. But they didn’t know the truth that lay buried beneath her surface—the heart she carried had once been shattered so completely that it took every ounce of her strength to piece it back together. A heart like that didn’t open easily. Not anymore.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, her voice gentle yet resolute.

Chase’s shoulders sagged slightly, and his smile faltered, the light in his eyes dimming. “How long are you going to keep turning me down?” he asked, the question escaping him with a wistful tone he hadn’t intended. “What will it take to finally reach your heart?”