HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 373

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

**Chapter 373**

As dawn broke, the rhythmic sound of Josh’s footsteps reverberated through the hallway, a harbinger of his presence before Althea had even finished arranging breakfast. The tall, broad-shouldered teenager lingered at the kitchen entrance, his face still bearing the remnants of sleep, yet his eyes were wide awake, scanning the room for someone special.

“Mom,” he began, his voice steady and calm, a tone that belied his youth. It was a sound that had matured over the years, reflecting the man he was becoming. “Where’s Dad? Is he still in his room? Should I go call him?”

Althea turned slightly, casting a quick glance over her shoulder, and a faint smile graced her lips as she continued to pack Grace’s lunchbox. The inviting aroma of freshly toasted bread wafted through the kitchen, mingling with the rich scent of brewing coffee, creating a cozy atmosphere that beckoned anyone to linger a little longer.

“Why don’t you take a seat first? You seem to have a lot on your mind this morning,” she replied, her tone light, though she sensed the underlying concern in his questions.

Josh let out a soft sigh, a sound that spoke volumes of his disappointment. “Could you please not load my lunch with too many carrot slices?”

Althea chuckled, her heart warming at his request. “Alright, tough guy. I’ll keep the carrots to a minimum for you.”

He flashed her a small, appreciative grin, the kind that made her heart swell with pride. “So… where’s Dad, really?”

With a gentle motion, she closed the lid of Grace’s lunchbox, sealing away the contents with a finality that mirrored her own feelings. “Daddy had to leave for an overseas business trip. It came up rather suddenly last night. He wanted to say goodbye, but you two were already asleep.”

“Oh… that’s unfortunate.” Josh’s breath hitched slightly, and he exhaled deeply, the weight of his father’s absence settling on his shoulders. “I have the inter-class basketball finals today. I really wanted him to be there, even if just for a moment.”

Althea stepped closer, affectionately ruffling his hair. In that simple gesture, she saw so much of Daven reflected in Josh—the thick, slightly wavy hair, the striking blue eyes that seemed to hold the depth of the ocean. Anyone who looked at him could hardly miss the resemblance to his father.

“How about we take his place?” she suggested softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Aunt Lydia and I would love to come and cheer you on.”

Josh contemplated her words for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought before a small, accepting smile broke through. “Okay. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you both there.”

Just then, Grace shuffled into the kitchen, still clad in her vibrant unicorn pajamas, clutching her beloved stuffed toy tightly. Her eyes were barely open, and she almost stumbled over a chair leg in her sleepy state.

“Careful there, Grace,” Josh murmured, instinctively steadying her and helping her find her seat at the table.

“Where’s Daddy?” she asked immediately after settling down, her voice barely above a whisper. Althea placed a glass of milk in front of her, and Grace eagerly drank it, as if hoping it would somehow fill the void left by her father’s absence.

“Daddy had to go on an urgent work trip, sweetheart,” Althea explained gently, her heart aching at the disappointment etched on Grace’s face. “He won’t be able to join us for breakfast for the next few days.”

Grace blinked up at her mother, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Oh… I see.” She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, a gesture that tugged at Althea’s heartstrings. “I want Daddy.”

Althea moved closer, her hand soothingly stroking her daughter’s head. “Sweetheart, Daddy will video-call us during dinner. You can share everything with him then.”

Grace bit her lip, her expression still clouded with sadness. “But Daddy didn’t say anything before he left. Was it really that urgent that he forgot about me?”

“You two…” Cale crossed his arms, a mock-serious expression on his face. “Move it. You’ve already eaten, right?”

Althea couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude for Cale and Lydia’s unwavering presence. They seemed to understand her unspoken need for support, offering it without hesitation.

And Lydia was precisely the ally she needed by her side.

It didn’t take long for Josh and Grace to finish getting ready, with Althea ensuring that nothing was left behind. Soon enough, they all piled into Cale’s car, and Althea stood at the doorway, watching as the vehicle disappeared down the driveway, her heart heavy yet hopeful.

“Everything will be alright, Althea,” Lydia murmured, her hand gently rubbing Althea’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. “You know that, don’t you?”

“I do,” Althea replied, offering a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you.”

“How about we go shopping? I’ve noticed your pantry’s looking a little bare. It’s been ages since we went together, hasn’t it?” Lydia suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.

Althea let out a short laugh, the sound brightening her mood slightly. “Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right. Usually, I just have the head housekeeper take care of everything.”

“Well then, let’s get ready,” Lydia said, looping her arm through Althea’s with a sense of camaraderie. “And afterward, we can try that new coffee shop near the supermarket. How does that sound?”

“Sounds perfect,” Althea replied, feeling a flicker of excitement at the thought of a small adventure amidst the chaos of her life.