HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 69

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

**Chapter 69**

“Or… would you like to give her a call now? She just sent another message,” Arsen suggested, his eyes flickering down to his phone screen as if it held the answers to the universe.

“Arsen.”

The way Daven pronounced his name sent a jolt of awareness through Arsen, prompting him to sit up straighter, the casual demeanor instantly replaced by a rigid formality.

“Yes, sir?” he replied, hastily tucking his phone away, his heart racing slightly as he caught the sharp, piercing look in Daven’s eyes—a gaze that was anything but lighthearted.

“If my wife wishes to contact me,” Daven stated with an unsettling calmness, “she certainly doesn’t need to go through you, does she?”

**

“Mommy!” Josh exclaimed, his voice bursting with joy as he bolted into Althea’s waiting arms. The sharp sting in his knee faded into oblivion the moment he felt the warmth of her embrace.

“Josh!” Chase called out, his voice laced with concern. “Slow down—be careful!”

Josh turned back, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. “Okay, Uncle Chase!”

Chase released a soft sigh, rubbing his temple gently as he chuckled quietly. Kids, with their seemingly endless reservoirs of energy, were a whirlwind of chaos and joy. It was evident that whatever discomfort had plagued Josh moments before was now a distant memory. Chase followed closely behind, his eyes glued to the boy’s enthusiastic strides, ready to intervene if needed.

Without hesitation, Althea dropped to her knees, arms wide open as Josh barreled into her. “Oh my God, Josh… I was so worried!” Her voice quivered with a mix of relief and lingering anxiety as she held him tightly, fighting against the urge to let her panic bubble to the surface.

“I’m sorry,” Josh muttered, guilt flickering in his bright eyes. He had promised himself he wouldn’t cause any trouble, yet here they were, tangled in a moment of worry. “But I’m okay now.” He looked up at her, offering a small, reassuring smile, trying to alleviate her fears. “So you don’t have to worry anymore, Mommy.”

Before Althea could respond, Lydia came racing across the lawn, breathless and wide-eyed, her expression a mixture of relief and alarm. She dropped to the ground beside them, wrapping Josh in a side hug that spoke volumes of her concern.

“Dear God, Josh! I thought you were lost!” Her voice trembled, and she tightened her grip around him, tears threatening to spill as the weight of her fear came crashing down. “You have no idea how panicked I was when you didn’t come back from—”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Lydia. I…” Josh hesitated, unsure of how much detail to divulge. But—

“Hey, what’s that on your knee?” Lydia interrupted, her sharp gaze landing on the bandage. Althea, now fully alert to the situation, noticed Josh’s other hand also wrapped in a bandage.

Althea and Lydia exchanged glances, their expressions faltering, a flicker of recognition—or was it dread?—passing between them.

“Josh,” Lydia said softly, forcing a smile as she scooped the boy into her arms, gently moving him a step away from Althea and Chase. “Was he really that handsome? You seem awfully delighted just saying his name.”

“Yes!” Josh laughed brightly, his innocence shining through. “Mr. Daven has the same eyes as me, Aunt Lydia. They’re blue. But mine are still better, of course.”

Lydia squeezed her eyes shut, instinctively tightening her embrace around him. “Next time, don’t talk to strangers. Got it?”

“Even if they help me?” he asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“Yes,” Lydia replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate.

Meanwhile, Althea stood frozen in place, her breath hitching in her throat. Her fingers curled tightly into the fabric of her blouse as a single, terrifying thought crashed into her mind like a thunderclap.

Could it be… Daven Callister?