HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 66

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

**Chapter 66**

“Aunt Lydia, how did I do?” Josh’s voice rang with innocent eagerness, his bright blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Lydia knelt down, bringing herself to his eye level, her heart swelling with pride as she gazed at the exuberant little boy before her. “Do you want a small compliment or a big one?” she asked, her smile wide and warm.

Josh let out a giggle, his laughter bubbling over like a fountain of joy. “I’ll take whatever you’ve got!” he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.

With a gentle flick of her hand, Lydia affectionately tousled his unruly hair. “You were absolutely amazing up there! Everyone was captivated by your performance. I even overheard some people raving about how fantastic you were—especially that part when you heroically saved the injured farmer!” Her voice brimmed with excitement, each word wrapping around Josh like a cozy blanket.

“You recorded everything, right?” Josh’s eyes widened, filled with hope and eagerness.

“Of course I did!” Lydia replied, patting her chest with mock seriousness, her tone playful. “There’s no way I’d miss something that important, sweetheart. It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever.”

“Phew, that’s a relief!” Josh beamed, his smile illuminating his face. “I want to show it to Mommy!” His gaze darted around the bustling crowd, searching for the familiar figure of his mother. They were seated in a quaint little garden behind the city hall, transformed into a charming outdoor lunch area for the event participants.

“Is Mommy not here yet?” he asked, a hint of worry creeping into his voice.

“Sit down first,” Lydia said gently, gesturing for him to settle beside her on the picnic blanket. She could sense his impatience and wanted to calm his racing heart. Althea had just messaged her five minutes ago, letting her know that she had finally wrapped up her duties and was on her way. “Mommy’s coming, Josh. She’s on her way right now. Can you be patient just a little longer?”

“Okay,” Josh replied, compliance settling over him like a warm hug. He sat obediently beside Lydia, clutching the lunch box filled with his favorite snacks, a small treasure from the event organizers. “I forgot one of the dance steps in the middle,” he murmured, a frown creasing his brow as he recalled the moment of his slip-up.

Despite the delicious treats inside the box, his mind was still tangled in the web of his performance. He couldn’t shake the regret of missing that crucial move. Why did I mess up that part? Thankfully, Mauren had quietly reminded him of the step, allowing him to recover and finish strong.

“I don’t think anyone even noticed, sweetheart,” Lydia reassured him, gently smoothing down a tuft of his messy hair that had defied gravity. “You were expressive and confident—just like a real prince.”

“Really?” he asked, his brows lifting in hopeful disbelief.

“Really,” she confirmed, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “Now go ahead and eat your snack. Once your mommy gets here, you can tell her everything—and don’t forget to show her the video I recorded, alright?”

“Okay!” Josh nodded, his enthusiasm rekindled. But then he paused, standing up suddenly. “Aunt Lydia, I have to go to the bathroom first.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Lydia asked, a flicker of concern crossing her face.

“No,” Josh replied firmly, determination in his tone. “I can go by myself. I just have to follow that sign, right?” He pointed toward the direction marker nearby, his small finger steady and sure.

“Smart boy,” Lydia praised, smiling brightly as she ruffled his hair one more time. “Come straight back once you’re done. Don’t talk to strangers, and if you ever feel scared, just yell for help. Got it?”

One of the event staff, having noticed the fall, approached quickly. “I’ll take it from here, Mr. Daven. There’s a first-aid room inside. I believe he’s one of the kids from the kindergarten performance.”

Daven didn’t take his eyes off Josh. “It’s alright. I’ll take care of him myself. Just bring the medical kit, please,” he said firmly, his protective instincts kicking in.

He stepped closer, crouching to meet Josh’s gaze. “You trust me, don’t you? I promise I’m not going to hurt you. Let’s take care of those scrapes, yeah?”

Without waiting for a response, he gently scooped Josh into his arms. The boy looked up at him, still a little wary—but something about this tall man in a sharp suit, with his calm voice and kind eyes, felt… safe.

“What were you doing before you fell?” Daven asked, his tone light as he carried him.

“I was going to the bathroom,” Josh replied softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Did you get to go?” Daven inquired, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Pee?” Josh blinked at him, a hint of confusion crossing his face.

Daven chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. “Yes.”