HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 76

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

**Chapter 76**

“This is the place?” Daven queried, straightening his blazer as he stepped out of the car, his voice a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

As he emerged, his feet hesitated, rooted in place. His gaze was drawn to the pastel-colored building before him, a charming sight that seemed to whisper stories of laughter and innocence. The soft orange roof contrasted beautifully with the sky-blue wooden fence, while whimsical murals danced across the outer walls. There were vibrant drawings of a rainbow arching over a smiling apple tree, alongside tiny handprints stamped joyfully across the painted bricks.

A wave of nostalgia washed over him, stirring something deep within. Unbeknownst to him, the corner of Daven’s mouth curled into a faint smile.

“I used to go to a school like this,” he murmured softly, almost as if speaking to the memories rather than to himself. “Though my kindergarten never felt this cheerful.”

At that moment, Arsen emerged from the backseat, a sleek tablet in hand, his brow furrowed as he reviewed the day’s schedule.

“Mr. Daven, are you absolutely certain about this? The meeting with the Frankfurt investors has already been rescheduled twice,” he began, his voice tinged with concern. “And the Osaka team—”

“Cancel it. Send an official apology to both parties. I’ll handle the rest later,” Daven interrupted, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

Arsen suppressed a sigh, nodding in silence. The tension in his shoulders was palpable, a tightness that came from the weight of responsibility. He had meticulously arranged that schedule, striving for maximum efficiency and minimal overlap. Yet here they were again, disregarding it all. Several of those meetings were critical, particularly the one with Frankfurt. Their side had just begun to show some flexibility, but…

Well, it was pointless to dwell on it. Arsen had learned long ago that arguing with Daven was a fruitless endeavor. It wasn’t just the fear of a pay cut or the threat of being fired that held him back—though that possibility always loomed large—but rather a deep-seated weariness. Lately, Daven had become increasingly unpredictable, straying from his usual patterns like a ship lost at sea.

“You look like a man carrying the weight of the world, Arsen,” Daven remarked, a sly grin spreading across his face. “What’s troubling you?”

“Nothing, Mr. Daven,” Arsen replied, his voice steady, though his mind was anything but.

“Really?” Daven pressed as he began walking toward the school entrance. A staff member opened the main lobby door, and soon, the school principal, Miss Tania, greeted them with a radiant smile.

“Mr. Callister, welcome to Sunrise Preschool. It’s truly an honor to have you visit us in person,” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

“The pleasure is mine. I appreciate you accommodating my visit,” Daven responded, shaking her hand with a firm grip that conveyed both respect and authority.

As they strolled down the central corridor, engaged in light conversation, Daven couldn’t help but notice the vibrant atmosphere around him. When her staff had first confirmed that a prominent businessman from Migathan planned to visit, Miss Tania’s excitement had been palpable. It was a rare occurrence for someone from the corporate world to express interest in their humble institution.

“We may be a small school,” Miss Tania explained, her voice filled with pride, “but we take immense pride in how we educate our students. Our focus is on exploratory learning—encouraging them to discover through play, reading, and creativity.”

“Judging by the building alone, I’d say you’re right. It’s modest—but my first impression?” Daven’s voice softened, a hint of warmth creeping in. “This place radiates warmth.”

“Thank you. Especially after yesterday’s charity performance, many of the children gained a boost in confidence. One child in particular—Joshua—really shined,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with joy.

At the mention of that name, Daven’s steps faltered, a fleeting hesitation that didn’t go unnoticed.

“Joshua?” he echoed, curiosity piqued.

“Yes. Joshua Grayson. The little prince from yesterday’s drama performance, Mr. Daven. He truly stood out. Such a lively boy with a vivid imagination,” Miss Tania replied, her smile broadening.

“Josh… Joshua… Grayson?” Daven repeated, the name resonating in his mind like a distant echo.

“That’s right,” Tania confirmed, her enthusiasm unwavering. “Everyone calls him Josh.”

They paused in front of one of the classrooms, where a small glass window allowed them a glimpse into a world of youthful exuberance. Inside, a group of children sat in a circle, and at the center stood Josh, clutching a picture book, his voice resonating as he read aloud. The other kids were captivated, their eyes wide with wonder.

“There he is. That’s Joshua,” Tania said, pointing to the cheerful boy surrounded by his classmates. Daven watched as Josh animatedly brought the story to life, his expressions shifting from serious to silly, eliciting bursts of laughter that filled the room.

“Does this kindergarten accept direct donations, Miss Tania?” Daven inquired, a sense of purpose igniting within him.

“Of course! We’re always open to support in any form,” she replied, her enthusiasm palpable.

“In that case, would it be alright if I sent over some items the children here might need?” he offered, his mind racing with possibilities.

“Not a problem at all,” Tania responded eagerly. “In fact, we’d be incredibly grateful.”

“Let my assistant know what the school could use. If it’s deemed appropriate, I’ll have everything sent over as soon as possible,” Daven assured her, a sense of satisfaction blooming within.

Miss Tania nodded, her appreciation evident. “That’s wonderful news.”

“Shall we discuss the details in your office?” he suggested. “If you don’t mind.”

Just as she was about to respond, the loud chime of a bell echoed through the hallway, signaling the start of recess.

“Ah, that’s our recess bell. In just a moment, this corridor will be flooded with little ones heading to the lunchroom,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Daven’s brow furrowed slightly. “So this means… it’s break time?”

“Yes, Mr. Daven,” she confirmed.

A small, almost imperceptible smile graced his lips. A strange sense of anticipation surged within him, something he couldn’t quite articulate. And before he could rein in his impulses, the request slipped out.

“In that case… would it be possible for me to meet Josh?”