HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 68

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 68**

“Are you really sure you’re okay?” Chase lowered himself, his gaze locking onto Josh’s with an intensity that belied his calm demeanor. He needed reassurance, a confirmation that the little boy’s injuries had been tended to properly.

“Yes, Uncle Chase!” Josh’s voice rang out, bright and cheerful, as if the world was still a playground despite the recent scare. “Mr. Daven patched me up.”

Chase exhaled slowly, a weight lifting from his chest. His heart had nearly leaped out of his throat when he received the frantic report that Josh was missing. The moment he had called Lydia, her panic had been palpable, her voice trembling as she expressed her fear that Josh was nowhere to be found.

“I truly appreciate your help, Mr. Daven,” Chase said, his voice sincere, filled with gratitude that he hoped conveyed the depth of his relief.

“Not a problem at all,” Daven replied with a warm smile, gently brushing his hand over Josh’s tousled hair in a gesture that seemed to bridge the gap between adult and child. “I just happened to be in the vicinity when he took that tumble.”

“Did you remember to thank him, Josh?” Chase’s tone softened, but there was an underlying firmness that made it clear he expected compliance. “We need to find your aunt and your mom. They’ve been quite worried.”

“Mommy’s here?” The excitement on Josh’s face was instant, his eyes widening with the kind of surprise that only a child could muster.

“Yes,” Chase confirmed, a small smile breaking through his earlier worry.

“Then let’s go! I want to see her!” Josh practically vibrated with energy, nearly dashing away before Chase instinctively reached out to steady him.

“Wait! Did you remember to say thank you?” Chase reminded him, raising an eyebrow.

Josh chuckled sheepishly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Oops. Sorry, Uncle Chase!” He turned back and approached Daven, who stood a few steps away, his presence calm and reassuring. “Thank you for helping me, Mr. Daven.”

“Anytime, Champ.” Daven crouched down, meeting Josh at eye level, his expression earnest. “But next time, be a bit more careful, okay? Running near public restrooms can be risky. The floors can be slippery.”

Josh nodded vigorously, his small face serious for a moment before breaking into a smile as Daven affectionately ruffled his hair once more. “Okay, I’m off now! I want to see Mommy. Bye, Mr. Daven!” he called out, waving enthusiastically as he grabbed Chase’s hand.

Together, they stepped out of the room, leaving Daven standing there, watching them vanish down the corridor, a contemplative look on his face.

—

Arsen, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange from a distance, was taken aback. Since when did Mr. Daven show such warmth towards children?

“Arsen.”

The sound of Daven’s voice snapped him to attention, and he stepped forward, though a swirl of unanswered questions danced in his mind.

“Yes, Mr. Daven?” he responded, trying to mask his curiosity.

“I’ll make my decision once you provide me with all the details,” Daven replied, his tone brisk and authoritative. He turned and strode out, his usual confidence radiating from him.

Arsen followed closely behind, already texting the driver to bring the car around.

“But… it seems like Josh’s school is quite upscale,” Daven mused aloud, not bothering to look back—he knew Arsen was always just a few steps behind him.

“Even so, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t welcome the kind of donation you have in mind, right?” Arsen ventured, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

“You’re not wrong,” Daven replied, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Keep me updated, Arsen.”

“Of course, Mr. Daven.” Arsen stayed close, eager to keep up with the unfolding developments. “Oh—by the way, Mrs. Vanessa has received all the gifts you sent. The dresses, the jewelry, the tickets… even that limited-edition perfume set from the brand she adores. Everything has been delivered to her hotel in Paris.”

Daven nodded quietly, absorbing the information without comment.

“She also asked me to pass along a message,” Arsen continued cautiously. “She’d like to know when you might be free to call her.”

Daven’s pace slowed momentarily, as if he were weighing the question carefully. Then he shook his head slightly, a silent answer that spoke volumes.