HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 98

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 98**

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“Are you ready?” Chase inquired, stepping into Althea’s living room with an air of anticipation.

To be honest, he found himself utterly captivated by her presence.

Tonight, she radiated a unique charm that was undeniable.

Clad in a sage green midi dress that boasted a graceful A-line silhouette, the fabric—a soft satin—caught the ambient light in a way that was both subtle and enchanting, steering clear of any ostentation. The square neckline elegantly framed her collarbones, while the delicate puff sleeves lent her an air of gentle femininity that was simply irresistible.

Her hair was styled in a half-updo, a dainty pearl clip adorning one side, perfectly complementing her soft, natural makeup. The barely-there nude tones and warm blush accentuated the quiet glow of her cheeks, creating a visage that was strikingly beautiful. She hadn’t dressed to impress anyone, but perhaps that was precisely what made her so alluring.

“Damn,” Chase murmured, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “You look absolutely stunning tonight, Althea.”

Just yesterday, he had spent the entire day with Josh—playing, sharing stories, and laughing—alongside Althea and Lydia. It had been a day filled with warmth and joy. During that time, he had expressed his intentions to introduce Althea and Josh to his family, a moment he had been eagerly anticipating.

Tonight’s dinner was no mere happenstance. Chase had meticulously orchestrated every detail, wanting to present Althea in the manner she truly deserved—respectfully and with admiration.

“Don’t say that,” Althea groaned, a hint of anxiety lacing her voice. “You have no idea how nervous I am right now.”

Chase chuckled again, the sound easy and genuine, a balm to her frayed nerves. “Alright, alright. No more compliments, I promise. But where’s Josh?”

“Uncle Chase!” Josh’s voice rang out as he bounded out of his room, his excitement palpable. “Aunt Lydia helped me put this suit on. What do you think? How do I look?”

Chase effortlessly scooped him up, as if the boy weighed nothing at all—though in reality, Josh was no lightweight.

“Should I shower you with compliments now?” Chase teased, playfully pinching the tip of Josh’s nose. “But have you remembered to thank Aunt Lydia yet?”

“Of course I did!” Josh replied, his eyes sparkling with pride.

Moments later, Lydia emerged from Josh’s room, giving them both a double thumbs-up—a clear show of support for the evening’s gathering. Meanwhile, Althea was taking deep breaths, trying her best to quell her rising anxiety.

Even during the drive to the dinner venue, her nerves clung to her like a heavy fog.

“What are you really afraid of?” Chase asked softly, his voice soothing as he reached over to gently grasp Althea’s hand, his other hand steady on the wheel.

“Mister… Handsome?!” Josh squealed, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn’t expected to encounter that kind, familiar face again.

Althea, however, froze in place, her eyes locked onto the man striding toward her. Even after seven long years apart, he hadn’t changed at all.

Daven had been making his way out of the hotel, prepared to meet someone, when he was caught off guard by the sight before him. Josh—the boy who had drawn him back to this city—was waving at him with infectious enthusiasm.

It halted him in his tracks.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull, he turned back—not only to return the boy’s greeting but also to acknowledge Althea. Yet, another feeling tugged at him. There was Althea… standing beside Chase Miller. So, Rio had spoken the truth. They were indeed seeing each other.

“Hey, Josh,” Daven said, crouching down to meet the boy’s gaze, his voice surprisingly gentle. “Looks like we meet again.”

His hand instinctively reached out, aiming for the top of Josh’s head—a gesture that felt oddly natural.

But just as he was about to make contact…

“Who is he, Josh?” Althea’s voice cut in, firm and wary. “Didn’t Mommy tell you not to talk to strangers?”