HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 58

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

**Chapter 58**

“I have to admit, I didn’t anticipate seeing you here tonight,” Vanessa remarked, her lips curving into a bright smile that masked the turmoil beneath. She was determined to keep her displeasure hidden—not a hint of annoyance or the disappointment that gnawed at her regarding Daven’s recent behavior would escape. “Had I known you’d be attending, we could have arrived together, side by side.”

Daven shrugged, his expression nonchalant. “Arsen informed me after the meeting concluded. Besides, I had some important people to connect with regarding the Osaka project.”

Vanessa let out a quiet huff, her irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. She couldn’t help but glance at a few nearby guests, their eyes trained on them, likely dissecting every gesture and word. “It seems like it’s always about that project, isn’t it?” she said sweetly, effortlessly sliding her arm through her husband’s. Their closeness was on display, as natural as the air they breathed, a carefully choreographed dance for the onlookers.

Daven shot her a fleeting glance, his eyes betraying his lack of enthusiasm for the performance. “Aren’t you using me for your own advantage too? When was the last time we went out—just the two of us—without it being some grand spectacle for the press? This is all about your image, isn’t it?”

“And what’s wrong with that?” Vanessa replied, her charming smile never faltering as she plucked a delicate macaron from a nearby tray, offering it to him like a peace offering. Her eyes sparkled with a sharpness he recognized all too well—sweet on the outside, yet always with an underlying intention.

With a reluctant sigh, Daven opened his mouth, allowing her to feed him the pastry while acutely aware of the prying eyes surrounding them. Vanessa was performing, ensuring that everyone present saw them as the epitome of marital bliss.

“You do remember the kind of world that shaped me, don’t you?” she pressed, her voice soft yet laced with an edge.

Daven chewed and swallowed the treat, his disinterest palpable. “I’ve told you countless times that I can provide for you. There’s no need for you to push yourself this hard. We’ve had this discussion before, Vanessa.”

“And what did I say?” she responded, gently brushing a crumb from the corner of his lips with a tenderness that belied her frustration. “I’m not leaving the entertainment industry, Darling. I love you, but I also adore the world that made my name shine.”

Daven’s gaze bore into hers, intense and unwavering. He had repeated himself so many times—he could give her everything she desired. Whatever she wanted, he could make it happen. As one of the most influential young businessmen in the country, Daven Callister’s wealth and power were undeniable.

“Aren’t you planning to visit my mother anytime soon?” he inquired, his tone shifting as he cut to the heart of the matter.

Vanessa rolled her eyes, her annoyance evident.

“Why?” Daven asked, a smirk playing on his lips. He already anticipated her response but wanted her to articulate it clearly. “Weren’t you two incredibly close at one point?”

“And your mother keeps asking the same damn question—‘When are you two going to have a baby?’ ‘It’s been five years, hasn’t it?’” Vanessa mimicked Kate Callister’s tone, her irritation surfacing. “Doesn’t she understand how much pressure that puts on me?”

“She’s just asking. It’s a normal question,” Daven countered, his voice steady.

“Normal?” Vanessa twisted in her seat to face him, her frustration boiling over. “Your mother has become increasingly demanding since we tied the knot! I’ve explained my situation to her—more than once! I even laid out the details of my contract negotiations in front of her! There are other facets of my life that I need to defend, but she never seems to grasp that!”

“And is my family not part of that ‘life’ you’re referring to?” Daven’s tone remained calm, almost flat, but it was enough to make Vanessa bite her lower lip, averting her gaze.

“You know what I mean,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m at the pinnacle of my career, Daven. If I were to get pregnant now, it could shatter everything I’ve worked tirelessly for. That’s a risk I’m simply not prepared to take.”

“I’ve told you time and again—you don’t need to worry about that,” he insisted, his patience beginning to wear thin.

“I know,” Vanessa snapped, her voice rising slightly with frustration. “But maybe you should consider my perspective for once.”