HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 63

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

**Chapter 63**

What was the purpose of indulging in childish antics when you were supposed to be a mature woman?

James let out a soft breath, a quiet resignation in his demeanor. “Would you like me to reach out to him for you?” he offered, his voice steady yet gentle.

Vanessa turned her head sharply, her reluctance battling against a determined resolve. “Do it,” she commanded, her tone leaving little room for hesitation.

With a swift motion, James retrieved his phone, his fingers deftly navigating to Arsen’s contact. But before the call could even begin to connect, Vanessa snatched the device from his grasp, pressing it firmly against her ear.

“Where’s Daven?” she demanded, her voice sharp and unyielding, not a moment wasted on pleasantries.

“Mrs. Vanessa,” Arsen stammered, clearly caught off guard by her urgency. “Would you like me to relay a message?”

“I want to speak to my husband,” she snapped, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “Right now, Arsen.”

“Yes, of course, Mrs. Vanessa,” he replied, his tone shifting to accommodate her clear distress.

There was a brief pause, heavy with unspoken tension, and then she heard the voice she had longed for, echoing through the line.

“Yes?”

Daven. His voice was cool, almost indifferent, yet unmistakably his.

“Is your phone broken, or are you avoiding me so thoroughly that I have to go through Arsen to reach you?” she hissed, her anger flaring like a match struck in the dark.

The restrained fury that had simmered in her heart, mingling with sadness, surged once more, threatening to overwhelm her.

“You didn’t even bother to check in on me. Do you even care how I’m doing?” she pressed, her voice trembling with a mix of hurt and indignation.

“What’s there to worry about?” Daven replied, his calm demeanor infuriating her even more. “You got home safe, didn’t you? And clearly, you’re well enough to yell at me—so I’d say you’re fine.”

Vanessa felt her jaw tighten, a muscle twitching in response to his dismissive tone. “Since when did my husband become such a bastard?” she retorted, her voice low but laced with venom.

His laughter was short, a dismissive sound that only fueled the fire of her anger further. “What is it? Speak quickly. I have a business meeting to attend.”

“I’m flying to Paris today. You knew that, right?” she shot back, her heart racing.

“I did,” he replied, his nonchalance infuriating her even more.

“That’s all you have to say?”

“What more do you want from me? I have responsibilities here. And for you, Paris is still work… isn’t it?”

Her fingers tightened around the phone, her knuckles whitening. “So this is truly how you plan to treat me now?”

There was silence on the line, a heavy pause that seemed to stretch indefinitely. Then, with an audible sigh, he spoke again.

“Can I have the version of Vanessa I fell in love with back? The woman who wasn’t obsessed with fame and followers?”

She fell silent, caught off guard by his words.

“Or perhaps,” Daven continued, his voice dropping to a softer tone, “maybe I should be the one asking… how long are you going to keep treating me like this, sweetheart? I’m still your husband… aren’t I?”

—

“You’re actually interested in this charity event now?” Arsen asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

Daven hadn’t planned to respond, but the question caught him off guard. Why was he suddenly intrigued by this?

“I gave Mr. Sugimura my word that I would support it. However, before I commit, I need to grasp the management behind it,” he explained, trying to rationalize his sudden interest.

“But, sir,” Arsen interjected, his enthusiasm growing, “if Callister Group aligns itself with an initiative like this, it could significantly enhance the company’s public image. There’s nothing wrong with participating in a well-organized charity event—especially one focused on education.”

“And why is that?” Daven asked, his interest piqued as he narrowed his eyes at Arsen.

“Because there are countless bright children out there who simply need a little more support. We could help shape their futures—and in return, we could bring them into the company. It’s a strategy many major corporations are adopting,” Arsen explained passionately.

Daven studied him for a moment, contemplating his words. “Really?”

“The invitation from the Japanese Embassy’s charity event is a perfect first step. If you’d like, I can dig up more details,” Arsen suggested, his eagerness palpable.

Daven hadn’t considered that far ahead, but Arsen’s idea was not without merit.

“Do what you think is best. And ensure that I attend that event,” he instructed decisively.

“Yes, Mr. Daven,” Arsen confirmed, his expression brightening with the task at hand.

Maybe, just maybe—if the Callister Group established a foundation centered around education and social initiatives, particularly those involving children, it could open a new perspective for Vanessa.

Perhaps witnessing the lives of children firsthand—seeing their small worlds filled with hope and affection—would ignite something maternal within her. Maybe it would soften her stance regarding the idea of starting a family.

Who knows?