HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 47

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 47**

“How much longer are you going to keep rejecting him?”

The inquiry pierced through the air, voiced by Lydia, who sat across from Althea with an espresso cup cradled in her hands. Her gaze was sharp, almost accusatory, as it bore into Althea. With a soft exhale, Althea set her fork down beside the untouched slice of red velvet cake that sat forlornly on her plate.

“I’m not rejecting him, Lydia,” she replied, her tone laced with a hint of frustration. “I just… need more time to process everything.”

They lounged on a plush sofa, positioned strategically to overlook the play area, where laughter and joy danced in the air. The café buzzed with the gentle hum of conversation, warm tea steaming between them, as they occasionally stole glances at the lively scene unfolding just a few feet away.

Sunlight poured through the expansive windows, bathing the hardwood floors in a golden hue that felt almost magical. The interior was thoughtfully designed for families, adorned in soft pastel colors, with a cozy play corner featuring thick carpeting and shelves brimming with educational toys, puzzles, and colorful picture books that invited exploration.

In the heart of this vibrant setting was Joshua Grayson. The seven-year-old’s cheeks were flushed with excitement, his hair a delightful mess as he laughed joyfully while stacking colorful building blocks. Nearby, a man in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, observed closely—Chase Miller.

“Three years to think it over?” Lydia’s disbelief was palpable. “Really, how much longer do you intend to take?”

Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, a clear expression of her growing exasperation. “It’s been seven years, Althea. Has Josh never inquired about his father?”

Althea let out a slow, measured breath, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. “He has,” she confessed, her voice barely rising above a whisper, laden with the burden of unspoken truths.

“And what did you tell him?”

Though her eyes remained fixated on her son and the man who was so earnestly engaged with him, Althea’s thoughts drifted elsewhere, haunted by memories she wished to forget. “I told Josh… that his father is happy with his life now. And that we are too.”

“What kind of answer is that?” Lydia groaned, her frustration bubbling over as she smacked her forehead in disbelief. “You should’ve just told him that Daven passed away and that Chase is stepping in!”

Althea couldn’t help but let out a breathy laugh, a mix of amusement and disbelief. “That would be one epic lie, Lydia.”

A heavy silence enveloped them, filled with unspoken fears and regrets.

“For the past seven years, I’ve painstakingly rebuilt my life from the ashes,” Althea began, her voice steady yet tinged with vulnerability. “I can’t afford to risk it all for something that might—might shatter me again. And this time, it wouldn’t just be me falling apart; it would be Josh too. I refuse to let him experience the kind of disappointment that once consumed me.”

“You know what? It’s perfectly okay to feel afraid, especially when your life isn’t just about you anymore. But here’s something to hold onto—your happiness matters too. You’ve already shown the world that you can thrive without the people who once brought you down. Maybe now… maybe it’s time to allow yourself to feel joy again.”

A soft smile began to bloom on Althea’s lips, a flicker of hope igniting within her. “I’ll think about it.”

“I’ve heard that line far too many times, Althea. This time, really think about it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Althea chuckled lightly, her tone playful. She took a final sip of her tea, her gaze drifting back to the play area—just in time to witness her son proudly lifting a towering block structure, while Chase cheered him on with genuine enthusiasm.

“Miss Grayson! Josh wants to show you his masterpiece!”

“I think that’s your cue,” Lydia whispered, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Have fun.”

Althea shot her a mock glare but stood up regardless. “Fine.”

Lydia shook her head fondly, murmuring under her breath, “Stubborn woman.”