HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 350

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 350**

The upscale restaurant loomed ahead, a striking edifice of towering glass walls that reflected the warm golden glow spilling from its interior. Crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars, casting a soft light that danced across the polished marble floor. As Selena entered, Eli walked beside her, his eyes wide with wonder, drinking in the opulence as if it were a scene from a movie he had only dreamed of.

“Mom… are we really meeting Grandma here?” Eli’s voice was barely a whisper, tinged with uncertainty.

The word “Grandma” felt foreign to her, still awkward on her tongue after their brief encounter yesterday. Yet, Selena had insisted it was necessary—after all, that woman was indeed her grandmother. It seemed only fitting to address her as such, but still, a flicker of doubt lingered in Eli’s heart. Was she really her grandmother?

A small knot of apprehension twisted in Eli’s chest. The family’s reception had been nothing like the warm embrace she had envisioned. Perhaps tonight was not the right time for this meeting? Her thoughts swirled, uncertain.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Selena affirmed, her bright smile returning as she wrapped an arm around Eli’s shoulders, drawing him closer. She leaned down, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “Families like your father’s often gather in places like this—for business, for relatives, for clients. It’s the world they inhabit. And because of that, you must learn how to navigate it.”

Eli nodded, absorbing her words but still feeling a lingering confusion.

“Do you like this place?” Selena inquired, her voice light, hoping to ease his tension.

Eli nodded again, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. “It’s amazing, Mom. I’ve only ever seen places like this in movies.”

Selena allowed a small, knowing smile to grace her lips, brushing her fingers through her hair as if to convey that such luxury was merely a part of her everyday life. “Of course, it is. You belong in places like this, Eli. Your father is Chase Miller. Environments like this should feel familiar to you.”

Eli looked up at her, still grappling with the weight of her words, but a sense of pride flickered within him. “Do you think… they’ll actually accept me?” he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.

“Do not doubt your mother,” Selena replied, her gaze piercing and unwavering. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure they do. It is not a crime to speak the truth—you are part of the Miller family. Not just that woman.”

Eli’s brow furrowed. “You mean… Mrs. Althea?”

“Yes,” Selena said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You deserve the same recognition in this family. Especially in public. You are his child too—not just hers.”

Eli felt a mix of emotions swirling within him, uncertainty mingling with a burgeoning hope.

“You understand what I’m fighting for, don’t you?” Selena pressed gently, her tone softening. “One day, you will see why I insist on your acknowledgment in the Miller family, sweetheart. And when that day arrives, you’ll be grateful for it.”

Across the restaurant, the Miller family was already gathered, their expressions a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Riana and Nathan sat side by side, their posture polite yet strained, particularly Riana, who had been unable to sleep, her mind racing with the same haunting question: Had her son truly left a woman pregnant without her knowledge?

Meanwhile, Chris sat next to his father, his eyes glued to the reports he had managed to compile—most of them centered around Selena. He didn’t yet possess the complete picture, but he had unearthed a trail leading back to her university days in Beverly Hills.

Selena merely nodded, her demeanor cool. “Of course I came. It’s about time we had an open conversation.”

Eli stood close to his mother, his eyes flitting nervously from one face to another, absorbing the atmosphere.

Nathan broke the palpable tension. “Let’s all take our seats first. We can discuss matters once everyone is settled.”

Selena took her seat without hesitation, her posture confident. “All right. But honestly, this conversation should have taken place years ago.”

Beside her, Eli sat awkwardly, acutely aware of the weight of every gaze upon him—especially from the woman he was expected to call Grandma. The words felt lodged in his throat; all he managed was a thin smile and a polite nod.

Chris cleared his throat, focusing intently on Selena. He had no intention of allowing this conversation to drag on any longer.

“I need you to speak clearly, Selena. Who exactly are you, and what do you hope to gain by bringing this unbelievable story to our family?”

Selena’s elegant smile deepened, too calm, too controlled for Chris’s liking.

“Chris, if you don’t even remember who I am… that stings, you know?” She leaned back gracefully in her chair, her expression unyielding. “I was very close to Chase. And after the pictures I showed you, you still don’t recall me?”