HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 372

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 372**

Once upon a time, Althea found it nearly impossible to envision Daven displaying such gentleness, such tenderness. The memories of years past loomed large, filled with nothing but the sharp sting of heartache he had left behind. Yet now, as if by some miracle, he was gradually erasing those haunting recollections, one by one, replacing them with an enveloping warmth and a love that was so profound it nearly swept her off her feet. There was a sense of gratitude blooming within her, a deep appreciation for the chance she had extended to him, allowing him the opportunity to transform into the man he was today.

“Whatever Cale suggested… please, just follow it. I want to ensure there are professionals watching over all of you,” Daven insisted, his voice firm yet laced with concern.

“Oh, come on, sweetheart,” he added, clicking his tongue softly in a way that was meant to be soothing. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Daven,” Althea replied, her voice soft but resolute, a quiet strength emanating from her. “What’s the harm in being careful?”

The moment he caught sight of her pleading eyes, Daven felt his resolve begin to crumble. With a soft sigh escaping his lips, he nodded in agreement. “Alright, you win.”

A small, victorious smile broke across her face as she leaned her head against his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. “The kids and I will wait patiently for you to come home,” she promised, her heart swelling with affection.

“You’d better wait for me,” he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to the side of her head, a gesture filled with love. “Call me as often as you can.”

“What if you’re busy over there?” she queried, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.

“During lunch? I’m never too busy at lunchtime, sweetheart,” he assured her, his eyes sparkling with warmth.

Althea’s smile deepened, radiating a sense of warmth that filled the room. “Okay, lunch break it is,” she said, shifting to pick up his watch, holding it out to him with an affectionate glint in her eye.

“I feel awful not being able to say goodbye to Josh and Grace,” Daven admitted quietly, a shadow of regret passing over his features.

“I’ll tell them their father is very busy,” Althea replied, standing up and opening her arms wide, inviting him into her embrace.

Would Daven dare to refuse such an invitation? Of course not. He melted into her arms, resting part of his weight against her shoulder, finding solace in the closeness. Being clingy with his wife had always calmed his racing heart. “If I could take you with me, I would have dragged you along to keep me company,” he confessed, his voice a low rumble.

“And would you really be able to concentrate then?” she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Don’t say things like that, Althea. You’re making it even harder for me to leave,” he replied, his arms tightening around her, reluctant to let go, warmth radiating between them.

“Come on, big bear. I think it’s time for you to go,” she gently urged, her tone a mix of affection and resolve.

Daven chuckled softly, the sound rich and comforting. “Alright.”

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Althea offered, her heart heavy yet proud.

Together, they descended the stairs, Althea glancing back occasionally to ensure he hadn’t forgotten anything, reminding him about his vitamins, fussing over the smallest details, until they finally reached the living room.

The moment the lock clicked shut, it felt as if the very fabric of the world had shifted, losing its gravity. Althea stood frozen for a few moments, her eyes fixed on the door that had just swallowed the last remnants of warmth within their home.

As the sound of the car engine faded into the distance, a profound silence settled in, wrapping around her like a heavy blanket. Even with Cale and Lydia standing in the living room, ready to keep her company, the quiet felt suffocating.

“You don’t have to worry too much, Althea,” Cale said, his tone attempting to soothe her frayed nerves. “Nothing bad is going to happen to Daven. We need to trust the way he handles things.”

Althea turned her gaze toward Cale, searching his eyes for reassurance.

“He’s not the kind of man who acts recklessly,” he added, trying to instill confidence.

“I know,” she replied, her voice steady but laced with concern. “But Cale… aren’t you going to tell me what’s actually going on?”

Cale and Lydia exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them. That alone caused Althea to release a long, weary breath, a sense of dread creeping in.

“Don’t tell me you also have some idea of what’s happening, Lydia?” she pressed, her voice rising slightly.

“N-no, it’s not like that, I just… it’s only an early suspicion,” Lydia stammered, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

Althea crossed her arms over her chest, her expression sharpening. “Even if it’s just a suspicion, it still means you know something I don’t.” Her gaze intensified on her friend. “So tell me, what exactly are you all hiding from me?”