HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 54

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

**Chapter 54**

The office belonging to the owner of Callister Corp was nothing short of breathtaking—a space that exuded elegance, authority, and an almost intimidating level of polish. Rional Greg, despite having entered this domain on numerous occasions for various business dealings, still felt a flicker of awe wash over him each time he crossed the threshold. The meticulous arrangement of every item in the room spoke volumes about power and perfection, right down to the grand wedding portrait prominently displayed on the wall.

In that photograph, the couple radiated pure joy. Their smiles, frozen in time, were encased in an ornate frame, standing as a testament to the seemingly flawless life they were meant to epitomize. It was impossible to forget the grandeur of that wedding, a lavish affair held in the heart of Migathan, broadcasted across every social media platform in the country, drawing the eyes of countless admirers.

“So… any progress?”

Daven’s voice sliced through the silence, low yet tinged with an urgency that was hard to ignore. His gaze was sharp, filled with an expectation that bordered on hopefulness.

Rio hesitated before responding. He reached into his satchel, retrieving a folder that felt heavier than the weight of the information it contained. With a deliberate motion, he placed it into Daven’s outstretched hands. Truth be told, he found it perplexing that his client was so resolute in pursuing a lead that had grown colder than the winter nights. Nearly a year had passed since the investigation commenced, and yet Daven’s determination had never wavered—not even for a moment.

As Daven began to flip through the pages of the file, Rio observed the change that swept over him. The initial spark of hope in Daven’s eyes dimmed, replaced by a cloud of disappointment. His fingers turned the pages with increasing lethargy, and by the time he reached the final page, they had gone slack, as if the weight of the world had settled upon them.

“Are you absolutely certain you’ve searched every corner of the city?” Daven asked, his voice quiet yet edged with a sharpness that belied his calm demeanor.

“Yes, Mr. Daven. I even enlisted the help of some trusted colleagues,” Rio replied, his tone steady.

Before Daven could interject, Rio pressed on, “You can take comfort in knowing they are seasoned professionals. This type of investigation is well within our expertise. However, I must be frank with you… we have found no trace of the woman you seek.”

A heavy sigh escaped Daven’s lips as he let the folder slip from his fingers, landing with a soft thud on the glass surface of his desk. His head drooped, shoulders sagging under the invisible burden of frustration that seemed to envelop him.

“Keep searching. Expand your search to the smaller towns, those that lie farther from Migathan,” he instructed, his voice firm despite the weariness that clung to it.

His gaze drifted slowly around the office, landing on the wall adjacent to the expansive glass window. There, a refined row of wedding portraits hung in neat alignment—images of him and Vanessa, each one capturing a moment of bliss.

In those photographs, they appeared radiant, smiles wide and arms wrapped around each other in a warm embrace that spoke of love and connection. Their eyes met in a gaze filled with tender affection. Everything appeared flawless… within the confines of the images.

Yet, in the depths of his mind, another image played—a stark contrast to the perfect scenes captured on the wall. Not Vanessa, but Althea.

A single memory surged forth, unbidden. It was a simple moment, yet it held profound significance—the only time Althea had visited his office, carrying a lunchbox filled with homemade food, just for him.

“Damn it,” Daven cursed under his breath, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration.

He looked up again, his eyes landing on the photograph of himself beaming beside Vanessa. “Why don’t I feel guilty looking at this picture,” he whispered, “when all I can think about is someone else?”