HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 74

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 74**

“Althea, are you feeling alright?”

The question caught Althea off guard, and she instinctively brushed her fingers against her cheek, glancing at the older woman standing before her. Confusion swirled in her mind, clouding her thoughts. “Me? Unwell?” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the very idea was foreign to her.

“Yes,” Mrs. Yoshida replied, her brow furrowing with genuine concern. “You appear rather pale. Perhaps you haven’t been sleeping well?”

Althea managed a faint smile, a flicker of warmth amidst her uncertainty. “I suppose that’s true. Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Yoshida. But honestly, I’m fine.”

Mrs. Yoshida let out a small sigh of relief, the tension in her shoulders easing. “I’m glad to hear that, Althea. Just remember to take care of yourself.”

“I wish the same for you, Mrs. Yoshida,” Althea replied, her voice softening.

The older woman returned her smile, a warmth radiating from her eyes. “It’s such a pity I can’t linger in town a bit longer. There’s so much I wish I could accomplish while I’m here.” Her smile dimmed slightly, revealing a hint of wistfulness. “And I didn’t even get a chance to sample your cooking.”

“If you ever decide to visit SunCity again, please do let me know. I would be more than happy to whip up something special for you,” Althea offered, her heart lifting at the thought.

“Oh, I’ll definitely hold you to that promise,” Mrs. Yoshida said, her expression brightening once more. “Especially after hearing Chase rave about your incredible culinary skills.”

Althea blinked, momentarily taken aback. “Wait… oh, goodness!” She gently slapped her forehead, a gesture of disbelief. “Why would he share something so unnecessary?”

Mrs. Yoshida chuckled, a melodic sound that filled the air between them. “Unnecessary? I think not! Chase was genuinely enthusiastic about sharing your talents, Althea.”

An awkward smile crept onto Althea’s face. “It’s really nothing special. I just prepare simple meals.”

“Chase mentioned that you make the best lasagna he’s ever tasted,” Mrs. Yoshida replied, her eyes sparkling with delight.

“Ah, that principal of mine is far too generous with his compliments,” Althea said, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her tone.

Mrs. Yoshida chuckled again, bringing her chamomile tea to her lips, savoring the warmth as it slid down her throat. “Speaking of Chase, it seems the two of you share a close bond. I assumed there might be something… more between you.”

Gently, Mrs. Yoshida reached out, her hand enveloping Althea’s in a comforting gesture. Through that soft, reassuring touch, she hoped Althea wouldn’t feel burdened by memories that perhaps should have remained buried. A small wave of regret washed over her, but her curiosity remained—what truly transpired between those two?

“You know,” Mrs. Yoshida said, shifting the conversation to a lighter note, “the student exchange scholarship is set to begin next semester. I want to ensure that the students chosen truly get the most out of this opportunity. Your school came highly recommended by the head of the program.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Althea replied, her smile more genuine now, a clear relief washing over her as the subject veered away from her past.

“And I hope you’ll continue to be a part of the program,” Mrs. Yoshida added, her eyes filled with sincerity. “You’re more than just a teacher, Althea. You have a heart that inspires. I believe your presence would bring something truly special to it.”

Althea felt a flush of warmth creep into her cheeks. “Thank you for the trust you place in me.”

“And one more thing,” Mrs. Yoshida said, tightening her grip slightly, her voice imbued with warmth and sincerity. “If you ever find yourself struggling with anything in your life, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m not just part of this partnership. Forget my title or my position with the embassy—I’m also your friend, Althea.”

Those words struck a chord deep within Althea. Amidst everything that had been said, it was this moment of kindness that caught her off guard. A quiet form of support… one she hadn’t realized she desperately needed.