HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 72

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 72**

The morning light filtered softly through the kitchen window of Althea’s home, casting a warm glow across the room. The air was thick with the inviting aroma of toasted bread mingling with the rich scent of scrambled eggs, creating a cozy atmosphere that felt like a comforting embrace. Although the sun had barely begun its ascent, Josh was already perched at the table, his small hands wrapped around a mug of warm chocolate milk, savoring each sip as if it were a treasure.

With a gentle clatter, Althea placed the breakfast plates on the table and settled down across from her son. She couldn’t help but steal glances at him, noting the way his eyes sparkled with a cheerfulness that seemed to radiate from within. It was a sight that filled her heart with warmth, yet there was an undercurrent of curiosity tugging at her mind.

“Isn’t there something you’d like to share with me today, Josh?” Althea inquired softly, her voice laced with a motherly tenderness as she reached out to wipe a smudge of chocolate milk from the corner of his mouth.

“A story? What kind of story, Mom?” Josh blinked at her, his expression a mix of confusion and intrigue.

“Hmm…” Althea pretended to ponder, her finger tapping her chin playfully. “How about the story of your little tumble yesterday? And who came to your rescue?”

Josh’s eyes widened, and he quickly chewed his toast, a burst of excitement bubbling within him. “Oh! That was because I was in a hurry, Mommy! The floor near the restroom was super slippery, and I just… slipped! Didn’t I tell you already?”

“I wanted to hear it in detail this time, sweetheart. Yesterday, you were too busy being a prince in your play. Was it fun to be the kind-hearted prince?” She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm, gazing at him with a depth of affection that made her heart swell.

In that moment, she couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between Josh and Daven. Those bright blue eyes, so reminiscent of the man who once held her heart in a vice grip. But where Daven’s gaze had once felt like a trap, Josh’s eyes sparkled with innocence and warmth. They were a beacon of joy that Althea cherished more than anything in the world.

After Chase had left the night before, Althea found herself tangled in a web of thoughts, particularly the one about a potential donor wanting to support Josh’s school. Could it have been Daven? The idea seemed ludicrous, considering how cold and detached he could be.

To Daven, she had always believed, children were merely distractions.

“Yes, Mom! I loved being a prince who helped everyone, especially those who were in trouble. In class, I help my friends a lot, especially David and Jonas. And sometimes Miss Spencer, too!” Josh’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Althea couldn’t help but beam with pride.

“Wow, my little hero!” Althea exclaimed, affectionately ruffling his hair. Josh giggled, his cheeks flushing with delight at the praise.

“But… can I ask again? Who was it that helped you when you got hurt?” Her curiosity mingled with a hint of apprehension.

Josh tilted his head, a quizzical look crossing his face. “Mommy, did you forget what I told you about Mr. Handsome?”

She had buried that chapter of her life deep within, vowing never to return to the sorrow, the heartbreak, the disappointment that had once consumed her.

It was all supposed to be behind her. So why did fate insist on dragging it back into the light? It wasn’t her that had crossed paths with Daven… it was Josh.

“But don’t worry, Mom,” Josh added quickly, sensing her silence. “I didn’t tell him my name. You always said I should never tell a stranger my full name.”

Althea forced a smile, though it felt strained. “Good boy,” she praised, ruffling his hair once more. “Now finish your breakfast, okay? I’ll go prepare your lunch. We’ll leave as soon as everything’s ready.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Get a grip, Althea. You need to stay calm. You must ensure Josh never sees that man again.

Yesterday was merely a fluke, a random coincidence. Daven couldn’t possibly have any thoughts beyond that brief encounter. Everything Althea had known about Daven Callister told her he was a man driven by logic, never by emotion.