HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 340

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 340**

Althea’s voice radiated warmth, imbued with a tenderness that always managed to soothe Daven’s restless heart. “Josh just got back to his class. He mentioned that the cafeteria food is surprisingly good—and there are so many options to choose from. Grace called earlier too. She was eager for a video chat, but her teacher insisted she wait until the second break.”

A smile crept onto Daven’s lips, pulling at the corners as he envisioned the lively banter between his children. “That’s great to hear. I’ll definitely call her once I wrap up this internal meeting.”

“Are you really that swamped today?” Althea inquired, her tone laced with genuine concern.

“Busy,” Daven conceded, feeling the weight of his responsibilities but oddly comforted by it. “But it feels good, you know?”

His gaze drifted to a framed photograph perched on his desk, capturing a moment frozen in time—Althea cradling a sleeping Grace, her expression serene, while Josh stood behind them, beaming with an infectious grin. The image filled him with a sense of belonging and warmth that no amount of work could replicate.

“And how is my beautiful wife today?” he asked, his voice softening as he thought of her.

“Are you being a bit dramatic asking about me too?” she teased playfully, her laughter echoing through the phone.

Daven chuckled, the sound rich and genuine. “Is it against the rules to ask?”

“It is,” Althea sighed, though her tone betrayed her amusement. “I’m still in the kitchen, you know. I’m planning to whip up some fruit pudding for dessert tonight. What do you feel like for dinner, Dave?”

Daven paused, his mind racing through the myriad of options. “Hmm… how about we dine at La Luise? It’s been far too long since we enjoyed a meal together.”

“That sounds lovely. You mean with the kids, right?” she clarified, a hint of mischief in her voice.

A soft chuckle escaped him, a playful glint in his eye. “What if I said I wanted to have dinner alone with you? Would that upset Grace?”

“Oh, come on, Dave. You know that would make her sulk even more.” Althea laughed, the sound brightening his day. “She’s incredibly possessive of you, you know.”

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, ten minutes of simple yet intimate domestic chatter that wrapped around Daven like a warm blanket, igniting a sense of peace within him. Althea found humor in nearly everything he said, and he couldn’t help but smile back, the connection between them palpable.

“Living like this… I’m genuinely grateful,” Daven murmured as the call finally came to a close. His eyes lingered on the photograph, the gratitude swelling within him. “Thank you, God. I truly am thankful for all of this.”

Just as he began to refocus on the documents in his hands, a sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called out, not bothering to lift his gaze from the report.

The door creaked open, and a graceful figure stepped inside, her gentle smile lighting up the room—Catherine Callister, his mother.

“Are you so engrossed in your work that you can’t even look up to see who’s visiting?” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Daven’s head snapped up, and a broad grin broke across his face. He stood up and enveloped her in a warm embrace, cherishing the moment. “Mom! How are you? Why didn’t you give me a heads-up about your visit?”

Kate’s smile was laced with a hint of nostalgia. “I didn’t want to impose on your busy schedule. Besides, you already have so much on your plate, don’t you?”

She was right, of course, but he couldn’t help feeling a pang of guilt.

“Oh, how did your meeting go, Dav? Felicia mentioned you’re considering an expansion to Villahal?”

Suddenly, Arsen’s phone buzzed violently, pulling Daven’s attention away from his thoughts. Arsen frowned, his expression turning serious as he answered the call.

“Hello—yes, this is Arsen—what?”

Daven, who had been making his way back to his desk, froze when he noticed the color drain from his assistant’s face, a look of horror replacing his usual composure.

“Arsen?” Daven’s voice was laced with concern.

There was no immediate response.

Arsen slowly lowered the phone, his voice trembling as he whispered, “Sir… the car that was taking your mother…”

Daven’s heart raced, a sense of dread creeping in. “What about the car?”

Arsen swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper, “It was in an accident… at the West Highway bend.”

The air in the room seemed to freeze, a heavy silence enveloping them.

Daven managed only one deep breath before another staff member burst into the office, their face pale and breathless.

“Sir—the hospital just called. Mrs. Callister’s condition… it’s critical.”