HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 77

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 77**

Daven’s footsteps echoed with a rhythmic certainty as he strode down the corridor, his pace both brisk and resolute. With Tania’s special permission now secured, he felt no need to mask his intentions—this visit was far from a mere formality. He was here for one reason and one reason only: to see Josh. Ever since Tania had uttered the boy’s full name, a persistent unease had settled in the depths of Daven’s mind. He had tried to dismiss it, time and again, but the thought clung to him like a stubborn shadow. Deep within, beneath the layers of reason and practicality, there was an undeniable yearning.

Validation.

Was it truly so misguided to wish for something that seemed utterly unattainable?

“Sir,” Arsen called out from behind, his voice strained as he hurried to keep pace with Daven’s determined stride.

“Did you manage to take care of what I asked?” Daven inquired, his gaze fixed ahead, not bothering to look back.

“Yes, Mr. Daven. The items you requested should arrive within the next hour or two,” Arsen replied, his breath slightly labored.

“Good.” A faint smile flickered across Daven’s lips, a brief moment of satisfaction.

“Sir, just a reminder—your flight is scheduled to depart in three hours,” Arsen added, a note of urgency creeping into his tone.

Daven slowed his pace momentarily, his brow furrowing in thought. “Three hours?” He glanced at the Rolex on his wrist, the ticking hands a reminder of the time slipping away. “That should be sufficient.”

“Are you considering pushing back the schedule?” Arsen’s voice rose in alarm, the concern evident. It was understandable; if Daven didn’t return to Mighatan today, the crucial meeting at Yorn Tower the following morning would be jeopardized.

“If only I had that luxury,” Daven muttered under his breath, a hint of frustration lacing his words.

“Mr. Daven, I sincerely hope you won’t,” Arsen pleaded, quickening his pace to match Daven’s. “I’m begging you to reconsider.”

“No,” Daven replied, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I won’t disrupt the schedule or force you into yet another sleepless night.”

Arsen let out a strained chuckle, relief washing over him, albeit momentarily.

“But please, do not interrupt me right now,” Daven added, his tone shifting to a firmer note. “I need some solitude.”

Arsen blinked in surprise, recognizing the seriousness in Daven’s demeanor.

“So… leave me,” Daven reiterated, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Daven crouched down to meet him at eye level, his expression softening. “Am I not allowed to come see you?”

Josh let out a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, his cheeks deepening in color. “Of course you’re allowed!” He closed his eyes momentarily as Daven’s large hand ruffled his hair affectionately. “I was just having lunch with my friends. Do you want to join us? I still have some lunch left that you can eat.”

“Well, that’s an offer I simply cannot refuse,” Daven replied, standing up and taking Josh’s hand in his, gripping it warmly as they made their way back toward the circle of children.

“You guys don’t mind if a grown-up like me joins you, do you?” Daven asked, a smile lighting up his face.

The kids exchanged glances before breaking into wide grins. “Of course not!”

“Thank you,” Daven said, settling down beside Josh, feeling an unexpected sense of belonging.

“This is from my mommy,” Josh exclaimed proudly, holding up his lunchbox for Daven to see. “But I also just got chicken nuggets from Liana and a cheese sandwich from Owen.”

Daven leaned in, genuinely intrigued as he surveyed the spread. It wasn’t just Josh who was talking; soon every child in the circle chimed in, showcasing their lunches and recounting tales of what they had traded. The joy in the air was contagious, and Daven couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through him.

“You all share your food with one another?” Daven asked, genuinely impressed. “That’s amazing.”