HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 75

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

**Chapter 75**

After a moment of silence that felt like an eternity, Althea inhaled deeply, her heart racing in her chest. “Mrs. Yoshida, I hope this doesn’t come off as too abrupt,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. The hesitation was palpable, and the weight of her unspoken thoughts began to press down on her like a heavy fog. She knew she could no longer keep her feelings bottled up inside.

For far too long, her heart had been a tumultuous sea of anxiety, particularly when it came to Josh, her beloved son. The thought of unforeseen circumstances looming over them was unbearable, and she felt an urgent need to confront the truth before it spiraled out of control.

Noticing the conflict in Althea’s expression, Yoshida leaned forward, her demeanor warm and inviting. “Is there something on your mind that you’d like to ask?” she prompted gently, her tone soothing like a balm.

“Um… yes,” Althea replied, biting her lower lip in an effort to summon the courage she desperately needed. “At the event yesterday at City Hall… was he there?”

A flicker of understanding crossed Yoshida’s face as she realized the direction of Althea’s inquiry. Instinctively, a part of her wished to shield Althea from the harshness of reality, but she understood that honesty was the foundation of their friendship. Lying was not an option.

“Yes,” Yoshida said softly, exhaling a quiet sigh that seemed to echo the weight of the moment. “He was there. In fact, he arrived earlier than usual.”

Althea’s gaze dropped, her heart fluttering with a mix of dread and curiosity. “Did he say anything?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to summon the answer.

“He showed interest in the kindergarten class that performed the play,” Yoshida replied carefully, weighing her words. “He mentioned wanting to make a donation. I’m not entirely sure what motivated him… but it appeared that Daven was quite serious about it.”

Althea pressed her lips together, her expression tightening as a wave of unease washed over her. The growing tension in her chest felt like a storm brewing, and she struggled to keep it at bay.

“Given your question, I take it you two didn’t cross paths yesterday. Am I correct?” Yoshida inquired, her tone cautious yet understanding.

Althea nodded slightly, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of resignation. “Yes. I had no intention of encountering him. There’s simply no reason for that. I’m certain he feels the same way.”

Yoshida scrutinized Althea’s face, observing the composed exterior that belied the flicker of uncertainty dancing in her eyes.

“You made the right decision,” Yoshida reassured her, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Besides, it seems like you’re thriving here.”

“You’re right,” Althea replied, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “It’s true—we’ve both chosen our own paths.”

Yoshida nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “I understand.” She took another sip of her tea, then murmured under her breath, “Still… Daven is a fool.”

“Just think about it,” Yoshida urged gently, her gaze filled with quiet hope. “I would genuinely cherish the opportunity to spend more time with you.”

She paused for a moment, then added with a smile that hinted at something deeper, “And if you’re worried about him finding out you’re there…” Her tone softened, calm yet purposeful. “Do you realize how rare it is for two people who once shared something special to cross paths again in this vast world?”

She fixed her gaze on Althea, her eyes earnest and sincere.

“Unless, of course, Kami-sama intends for it to happen.”

“I… I’m not sure what to say, Mrs. Yoshida,” Althea stammered, her heart racing.

“Don’t fret. Your safety would be my utmost priority,” Yoshida reassured her with a warm smile.

Althea remained silent, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

“Just think about it, Althea,” Yoshida whispered, her voice soft and inviting. “Let’s call it an invitation from a lonely old woman… who longs for someone to share her thoughts with.”