HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 352

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 352**

“Is… no one going to answer my question?” Eli’s voice trembled, barely above a whisper, as if the weight of her inquiry was too much for her small frame to bear. “Is it true that my father died a long time ago?”

Unbeknownst to her, tears had already begun to trace silent paths down her cheeks, glistening in the dim light of the restaurant.

Her question hung in the air, thick and heavy, deepening the confusion that enveloped the table. Each adult present wore a mask of uncertainty, their eyes darting between one another, unsure of who should break the silence first. Just as Riana opened her mouth to speak, Chris intervened, stepping forward with a gentle demeanor.

“You’re… Eli, right?” he asked softly, his voice warm and inviting. Chris had always possessed a natural affinity for children; he had an effortless way of connecting with them, just as he had with Josh and Grace. He was convinced he could reach Eli in the same manner.

Eli offered a small nod, her uncertainty still palpable.

“How about we step outside to the garden for a chat about your dad? I’ve heard this place has a lovely outdoor area. We could even grab some ice cream while we’re at it,” Chris suggested, his tone light, hoping to ease the heaviness that surrounded them.

Eli hesitated, her brow furrowing as she considered his proposal.

“You wouldn’t mind that, would you?” Chris asked again, his voice soothing.

Eli’s gaze flickered to her mother, seeking silent permission. Selena’s smile was soft and reassuring as she nodded in encouragement.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Chris is your father’s younger brother. You can talk to him for a while. I still need to have a serious conversation with your Grandma and Grandpa, sweetheart.”

With a gentle exhale, Eli nodded, her resolve solidifying. “Alright, Uncle Chris. I’ll go with you.”

“Good choice,” Chris replied, relief washing over him.

As they walked away from the table, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere, allowing the adults a moment of respite to confront the weightier conversation looming ahead. The air felt charged, as though everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the inevitable.

But just a few steps into their journey, Selena’s voice sliced through the tension. “Chris,” she called out, her urgency palpable. “Wait.”

Chris halted and turned back, confusion etched on his face. “What now?”

Selena hurried to catch up with him, gripping Eli’s hand tightly as if it were a lifeline. “I… I think Eli should hear it from me. In front of Mrs. Riana and her husband. She deserves to know the truth about her father’s condition,” she insisted, her voice gaining strength.

Chris released a long, weary breath. “Selena, weren’t you the one who said you weren’t ready? And why do you want my parents involved in something that you should have told Eli a long time ago?”

“I’m her mother, Chris.” Selena’s tone sharpened, her eyes narrowing in irritation. In her mind, she was the one in control of this conversation. “Eli has the right to know the truth. Now. In front of her grandparents.”

Nathan, who had been quietly observing, rose from his seat with a commanding presence that silenced the table.

Eli let out a small breath of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Yes, Uncle Chris.”

However, as she glanced up, her eyes inadvertently met Nathan’s stern gaze. Instantly, she ducked her head again, feeling a wave of intimidation wash over her.

Nathan, attuned to the shift in her demeanor, stepped closer, offering a gentle pat on her head, feeling the tension coiled tightly beneath his palm. “Go on and have fun with Uncle Chris.”

“Y-Yes, GrandDad.”

Nathan’s lips curved into a faint, approving smile as he watched them walk away together. Once they were out of sight, he returned to his seat, the weight of the conversation still hanging heavily in the air.

Riana cleared her throat softly, acknowledging her husband’s presence with a gentle nod. “Let’s enjoy the food while it’s still warm. I ordered your favorite, dear,” she said, her voice soothing as she turned to Selena. “I hope you’ll like the dishes as well.”

“Of course, Mrs. Riana.” Selena’s smile was thin, barely masking the tension that lingered beneath the surface.

They attempted to eat in silence, the clinking of utensils punctuating the quiet, until Selena finally set hers down slowly, deliberately. She dabbed the corner of her mouth where a trace of sauce had touched her lips, ensuring her appearance remained flawless even in this tense moment.

“So,” she began, her voice steady yet edged with urgency, “what about Eli’s status? I’ve provided the proof. I had the DNA test done at the hospital your family trusts. Isn’t that enough?”