HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 55

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

**Chapter 55**

Daven pressed his fingers against his temple, feeling the weight of regret pressing down on him like a heavy fog.

“You shouldn’t have treated her like that, Daven,” he whispered under his breath, the words barely escaping his lips. “Is there even a sliver of hope left for me to apologize?”

A bitter laugh escaped him, tinged with self-reproach. “Even if I found the courage… I seriously doubt she would ever forgive me.”

Just then, a soft knock on the door startled him from his turbulent thoughts, the sound a gentle reminder of the world outside his mind.

“Come in,” he called out, his voice steady but distant, not bothering to turn around.

The door creaked open, revealing Arsen, who entered with an air of professionalism, a tablet in one hand and a neatly stacked pile of documents in the other.

“Sir, your meeting is scheduled to commence in ten minutes,” Arsen said, his tone polite yet firm, as if he were aware of the storm brewing within Daven.

Daven offered a small nod, the motion almost mechanical. He glanced at his watch, the ticking sound echoing in the silence, then stood up, smoothing down his jacket with a practiced motion. “We’ll kick things off with the Osaka project,” he stated, his voice regaining its authoritative edge.

“Absolutely, sir. The development team has successfully completed all preliminary phases. They are currently awaiting confirmation regarding the material shipment from our local partners in Japan,” Arsen replied, his eyes scanning the documents as they walked through the corridor toward the conference room.

“What’s the status on Frankfurt?” Daven inquired, his mind already racing ahead, prioritizing tasks as they moved.

“There remains a complication with the land lease negotiations. The local government has raised the rates beyond what we initially agreed upon,” Arsen explained, his voice steady, but Daven could hear the underlying tension.

Daven exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Put Frankfurt on hold. I want all our resources focused on Osaka,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As they entered the meeting room, the core team responsible for the Osaka project was already assembled, their expressions a mix of anticipation and determination. Daven took his place at the head of the table, his gaze sharp and imposing, ready to steer the discussion. The folders Arsen had meticulously prepared awaited him, a testament to the hours of planning that had gone into this meeting.

The next hour unfolded with a laser-like intensity. The conversation flowed around the launch strategy for the Osaka expansion, and Daven was fully engaged, his tone crisp and decisions unwavering. Though his mind occasionally wandered to darker corners, he pulled himself back each time, reminding himself that as the leader, he could not afford the luxury of distraction.

“I still am,” Daven replied tersely, his mind racing with the responsibilities that awaited him.

Arsen paused, weighing his words carefully. “Even so, I believe you should consider attending, sir. This year, the banquet directly correlates with the project we’re executing. The embassy’s delegation has expressed an interest in long-term collaboration.”

Daven remained silent, his gaze lingering on the invitation for a moment longer before he handed it back to Arsen, the decision hanging in the air.

“Get the car ready. I’ll be attending,” he finally stated, his voice resolute.

“Yes, sir,” Arsen replied, a small grin breaking through his professional facade, relief evident in his tone.

Daven turned to leave but paused, a thought striking him. “And ensure that Vanessa remains unaware of my attendance.”

Arsen blinked, momentarily taken aback. Curiosity furrowed his brow, but he understood that this was not a matter for discussion. Orders were orders.

“Of course, Mr. Daven,” he replied at last, his voice steady, ready to carry out his superior’s wishes.