HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 70

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

**Chapter 70**

“Make sure to talk to Josh gently,” Lydia urged in a hushed tone as Althea and her son stepped through the threshold of the house. The aroma of home-cooked meals lingered in the air, and although Althea had extended a warm invitation for Lydia to join them for dinner—complete with the enticing promise of her beloved chicken broth soup—Lydia had politely declined. She had a flight to catch to Chicago that evening, and she had pressing matters awaiting her there that simply could not be delayed.

“I know,” Althea replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of her worries evident in her tone, clinging to her like a persistent shadow. “It’s just that…”

“Do you really think he’s the only man in the world named Daven?” Lydia interrupted, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice, more than she had intended to convey. “Come on, Althea. Just go inside and get some rest. I’ve already arranged for the driver to take me to the airport.”

Chase, who had been silently observing the exchange between the two women, felt a mixture of concern and curiosity. In the backseat, Josh was fast asleep, his little body curled up beside Althea, clearly exhausted from the day’s events. They had taken him to an Italian restaurant after leaving the town hall, fulfilling his simple request for pasta without hesitation. Now, as they drove through the quiet streets, Chase kept his eyes firmly on the road ahead, but his mind was a whirlwind of questions.

“What exactly were you two talking about back there?” he finally ventured, breaking the silence that hung in the air like a thick fog.

“Nothing important,” Lydia replied, her smile wide but her eyes betraying her as she brushed off his inquiry. “Thanks again for today, Chase.”

“No problem,” Chase replied, exhaling slowly, though her evasive answer did little to quell his curiosity. It was clear that they were keeping something from him. Maybe it was a private matter—perhaps it was simply none of his business. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Ever since they had left the event, Althea had been distant, her demeanor quiet and distracted. She had drifted in and out of focus, lost in her own thoughts, and it troubled him deeply.

Something had clearly shaken her.

But Chase chose not to press further. He continued driving, and before long, they found themselves pulling into Althea’s neighborhood. As the car rolled to a halt in front of her house, he switched off the engine and stepped out, opening the rear door with care. Josh remained blissfully asleep, nestled in Althea’s lap.

“I’ll carry him,” Chase offered softly, a gentle smile on his face. “You go ahead and unlock the door.”

Althea nodded, absorbing Lydia’s words.

Moments later, the taxi Lydia had summoned arrived, and after a final wave, she disappeared into the night, leaving the house shrouded in a heavy silence. Chase turned his attention back to Althea, who stood by the door, her figure silhouetted against the dim light, lost in her thoughts.

“It’s quite chilly outside,” Chase murmured, gently draping a cozy throw blanket over her shoulders, hoping to offer some warmth.

“Thank you, Chase,” she replied softly, her voice laced with appreciation. “I just wanted to make sure Lydia got off safely. Her job barely gives her a moment to breathe.”

Chase let out a quiet chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. “The higher the position, the heavier the weight, right? And Lydia runs the company, after all.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Althea said, pulling the blanket tighter around herself as the chill in the air seeped into her bones. “How about we go back inside?”