HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 50

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

**Chapter 50**

“Sometimes, I forget just how soothing silence like this can be,” Chase remarked softly, his voice barely rising above the gentle rustle of the leaves outside.

Althea nodded in agreement, her heart warmed by the moment. “After enduring years filled with chaos and relentless noise, this serene quiet is something I’ve come to cherish deeply.” The stillness enveloped them, a comforting blanket that felt almost sacred.

Chase turned his attention fully to her, his gaze unwavering and sincere. “I truly hope that all that chaos didn’t make you feel any less than you are.” His concern was palpable, and Althea felt a rush of gratitude for his unwavering support.

Lowering her eyes, she took a slow sip from her steaming cup, allowing the warmth to seep into her. “That’s precisely why I treasure the life I have now. Especially with Josh around… I really do feel grateful.” The mention of Josh brought a smile to her lips, illuminating her thoughts of the joy he brought into her life.

“Does that gratitude extend to me as well?” Chase inquired, his tone gentle, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Of course, I’m grateful for you too, Mr. Mi—”

“You promised not to call me that outside of school. Not when we’re not around Josh,” Chase interjected playfully, a mock scowl crossing his face that made Althea chuckle.

She laughed lightly, the sound mingling with the breeze. “You’re a grown man, yet you exhibit a surprisingly childish side.”

“Well, forgive me,” she added with a teasing smile, her heart fluttering. “Chase.”

“Much better,” he replied, a grin spreading across his face, illuminating his features.

Their laughter danced through the air, blending seamlessly with the soft wind that caressed their skin, creating a moment that teetered on the edge of familiarity and something deeper, something unspoken. The gentle breeze seemed to weave an invisible thread between them, a connection that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Perhaps it was that very softness in the atmosphere that prompted Chase to set his coffee cup down, his expression suddenly serious.

“Do you like me now, Althea?” he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper that felt like a secret shared only between them.

The question caught her off guard, causing her to turn toward him, but as she did, she realized her folly—the distance that had once existed between them had evaporated. Chase stood directly behind her, his arms creating an almost imperceptible cage around her, leaving her breathless. One more step, and she would be enveloped completely in his embrace, a thought that both thrilled and terrified her.

His breath was warm against her cheek, sending a rush of warmth through her.

“I…” Althea squeezed her eyes shut tightly, desperately trying to gather her thoughts. “Could you… step back for just a second?”

Althea offered a faint smile from her nook in the room, her focus primarily on sorting through her students’ assignments that needed to be submitted to the administration office. The buzz in the lounge was infectious, the anticipation thick in the air, wrapping around her like a warm embrace.

To be honest, Althea felt that flicker of excitement too. Yet, alongside it, there was a shadow of unease that lingered in the back of her mind, a nagging feeling she couldn’t quite shake, though she knew the likelihood of it manifesting into anything substantial was slim.

“Stop thinking the worst,” she muttered under her breath, trying to dispel her worries.

“Miss Grayson, are you ready to welcome our important guests?” Chase’s voice broke through her thoughts as he appeared in the doorway of the staff room, his charm radiating warmth. He looked as polished and composed as ever, but today, there was a spark of excitement dancing in his eyes.

His presence seemed to elevate the energy in the room, a ripple of enthusiasm spreading, especially since everyone knew precisely who had been chosen to guide the visitors.

“You’ve got this, Miss Grayson!” they all cheered in unison, their grins wide and encouraging.

That chorus of support brought a genuine smile to Althea’s face. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Principal,” she replied, her heart swelling with appreciation for her colleagues’ confidence in her.

“Good,” Chase nodded, his expression earnest. “Come on, let’s go greet them.”

With a sense of purpose, Althea, alongside a few other selected faculty members, followed Chase toward the auditorium where the morning’s significant event was set to unfold.