HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 97

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

**Chapter 97**

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about your decision this time, Althea,” Lydia exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Althea had just finished sharing the whirlwind of events that had led her to this pivotal moment. Every word had poured out of her like a dam bursting, and there was no way she could keep it all bottled up, not from Lydia. Lydia was more than just a friend; she was Althea’s anchor in a world that often felt adrift. In her life, Althea had only two constants: Lydia and Josh. And after finally voicing her thoughts, a sense of quiet relief washed over her—an unspoken weight lifted that words alone couldn’t encapsulate.

“Do you think it’s truly the right decision?” Althea’s voice was barely above a whisper, her gaze fixed on the floor as she intertwined her fingers anxiously in her lap. The uncertainty lingered in her eyes, a palpable shadow that refused to fade.

With a warm, reassuring smile, Lydia shifted closer on the couch, her presence a comforting balm. Every so often, her gaze drifted towards the window, where Josh was joyfully playing in the yard with Sunny—the Golden Retriever that Chase had gifted him just days ago.

Chase had described the dog as a special present, a token of their budding family ties. A sign that they were forging a new path together, one that Althea had only begun to comprehend.

Lydia could sense the turmoil that churned within Althea, the way her mind circled back to the same question repeatedly. It was understandable; the scars of fear and anxiety from Althea’s past clung to her like a heavy cloak, making it difficult to step into the light of hope.

“To be honest,” Lydia began, her tone thoughtful, “I can’t predict what the future holds for you. But I genuinely believe this is the right choice—not just the right one for now, but perhaps the decision you should have made a year ago.”

Althea let out a small, half-hearted scoff, the sound tinged with skepticism. “I’m not entirely convinced about any of this yet. I mean, all I’ve done is agree to give Chase a chance. It’s not like we’re engaged or planning a wedding.”

She exhaled deeply, frustration evident in her expression. Especially after Chase had taken it upon himself to announce their relationship in a way that felt more like an engagement than a simple agreement.

“He practically declared our engagement to the world, as if we’re set to tie the knot any day now,” Althea groaned, her fingers pressing against her temples in an effort to stave off a headache.

“Have you had a chance to discuss it with Josh? You know, about the two of you?” Lydia asked, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. She had often pondered how Josh would react if Chase were to step into the role of a father figure. Once, she had casually broached the subject, and Josh’s enthusiastic response had caught her off guard.

“If I had a Papa like Uncle Chase,” he’d said with a bright smile, “I’d be happy. And proud.”

But now, Althea wondered if those feelings would remain unchanged.

“You already know how he feels,” Althea replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Chase is someone Josh truly adores. They’re practically two peas in a pod.”

“Althea,” Lydia said softly, her tone imbued with empathy. “I understand why you’re still afraid—why you hesitate. You’ve been hurt, betrayed in ways that are hard to fathom. But you’re not stuck in the past anymore, are you? You can’t let it dictate your worthiness of happiness. Because you do deserve happiness, Althea. You truly do.”

“I just don’t want Josh to get hurt, Lydia.” Her voice wavered as she continued, “I’ve only made it through this far not because I’m strong, but because… this is the life I’ve accepted. I can’t risk Josh losing the one safe place he has just because I dared to hope again.”

Lydia nodded, her eyes filled with compassion. This wasn’t merely about Chase; it had never been just about him. It was about the pain Althea had buried deep within her heart, the fear of being vulnerable again, and the immense responsibility she bore as a mother.

“Is it that… you still don’t trust Chase?” Lydia ventured carefully, her voice barely above a whisper.

Althea hesitated, her silence stretching between them like a chasm. She lowered her gaze, her restlessness evident in the way her fingers fidgeted.

“You know Chase is part of the Miller family,” she said at last, her voice tinged with apprehension. “They’re one of the most respected families in SunCity—almost idolized in every social circle. Doesn’t this all feel a little too much like déjà vu?”

A slow, weary sigh escaped her lips. “I’m afraid… that the Millers will treat me the same way the Callisters did. If it were just me, I might be able to endure it. But what about Josh?”