HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 348

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

**Chapter 348**

The atmosphere in the living room was thick with tension, nearly palpable, as if the very air around them had ceased to circulate. Each person stood frozen in place, grappling with the weight of Selena’s revelation, questioning the very fabric of reality that had been so abruptly unraveled before them.

Selena’s words had cut through the silence like a knife, leaving an echo that seemed to resonate in every corner of the room. Althea’s gaze was locked onto Selena, her mind racing, struggling to comprehend the enormity of what had just been revealed. It was as if time itself had paused, leaving her in a state of disbelief.

“I understand that this is a lot to take in,” Selena spoke again, her voice rising with an intensity that hinted at a desire to provoke a reaction from anyone willing to bite. “But it’s about time the truth comes out. I can’t carry this secret forever. And Eli, she’s growing up. She has every right to know about her family on her father’s side, doesn’t she?”

Chris, unable to remain silent any longer, stepped forward with a determined look. “Selena, this isn’t the time or place for this. We are in mourning. You shouldn’t be bringing this up now,” he said, his voice steady but edged with frustration.

Selena shot back with a quickness that surprised even her. “How is it my fault that you’re all not ready to face the truth?” Her smile was thin, almost predatory, and her eyes softened on Chris in a way that felt unsettling, as if she were observing a scene from a distance rather than being part of the chaos she had just ignited.

Beside her, Eli fidgeted, her anxiety palpable as she stood there, too overwhelmed to articulate her feelings.

Finally, Riana, who had been sitting silently on the sofa, could no longer remain passive. She felt an urgent need to act, especially since Selena’s words had struck a chord that resonated deeply with her memories of her late son. Rising from her seat, she moved to stand next to Althea, offering her silent support.

“Get some rest, sweetheart,” Riana whispered, her hand gently rubbing Althea’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. “You must be feeling drained.”

“But, Mom—” Althea started, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions.

“I’ll take care of this,” Riana replied, her tone soft yet resolute. She then turned her attention to Daven. “And you, too. You need to rest. I can see the fatigue in your eyes.”

Althea and Daven exchanged a knowing glance, a silent agreement passing between them. With a reluctant nod, Althea accepted her mother’s decision. Daven carefully cradled Grace in his arms, drawing Althea close as they quietly exited the living room, eager to escape the suffocating tension.

Once they were gone, Riana redirected her focus to Selena, her expression flat and devoid of any warmth. There was a palpable sense of disapproval etched on her face.

“I… honestly don’t know how to process what you’ve just told us,” she said, her voice steady. “Everything you’ve shared tonight raises far too many questions, and it’s impossible to address them all at once. If you genuinely came here to share some sort of truth, then you should have gone to the Miller household—not the Callisters. They have no part in the drama you’re trying to unfold.”

“Bad timing—that’s what you call it?” Selena murmured, her tone shifting into a soft whine, almost theatrical in its sorrow. She dramatically brushed the corner of her eye as if to wipe away an imaginary tear. “But I’ve waited far too long. Do you think I enjoy carrying this burden alone? I just want the truth to be acknowledged. Has anyone here considered my daughter? The girl who should have received her father’s love… and the affection of his family?”

Riana clenched her jaw, her resolve hardening. “If that’s the case, then speak to me. But not here. Not tonight. We can arrange another meeting—just the two of us.”

Selena finally exhaled, a reluctant agreement hanging in the air, though her expression remained defiant. She did not wipe away the sadness from her face; for her, tonight was merely the beginning of a door she intended to push wide open.

“Fine,” she said quietly, her voice a mere whisper. “But may I set a condition?”

Riana closed her eyes momentarily, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. “What condition could you possibly have now?”

“I want to speak with Chase Miller’s parents. Eli’s grandfather must be present as well. This conversation concerns my daughter’s future. I had hoped to also speak with Chase’s wife, but given her circumstances, I’m trying to be considerate. Still… I want a meeting free from interference from those who have no stake in this,” Selena insisted, her tone resolute.

Chris straightened, his posture rigid. “No. You don’t get to set the terms here, Selena. Didn’t you just show us a photo earlier, claiming I supposedly know you? Then why not speak to me directly? You’re not someone we can simply trust without question.”