HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 387

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 387**

As Riana finally stepped away, the air around them felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Erick, maintaining a stoic demeanor, walked her to the car, the silence between them almost palpable. The moment she settled into the passenger seat, the stillness shattered.

“Erick… I need you to keep a closer eye on Selena and Eli. Especially Selena. Everything about her—who she associates with, her movements, even her demeanor—is raising red flags for me. I can’t shake the feeling that something is off,” Riana articulated, her voice laced with concern.

Erick nodded, his expression serious. “Understood, Mrs. Riana.”

“Make sure you do it discreetly. She’s already on to the fact that my visit today was likely prompted by someone keeping tabs on her. I need you to be extra cautious—ensure she remains oblivious to your observations,” Riana instructed, her gaze piercing into him, hoping he fully grasped the gravity of her request.

Erick nodded once more, his resolve firm.

Taking a deep breath, Riana reached for her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed Cale’s number.

“Mom?” Cale’s voice came through quickly, a hint of urgency in his tone.

“Cale… something feels terribly wrong,” she confessed, her heart racing.

“What happened? I just received an update from Erick,” he replied, his concern evident.

Riana exhaled with a weight that felt almost unbearable. Frustration and anxiety coiled in her chest, a tangible presence. “Selena’s mannerisms and the way she communicates—it’s unsettling. My instincts are screaming at me that something is very wrong.”

“Mom, let’s not discuss this over the phone. Can you come to the office? We need to talk in person,” Cale suggested, his voice growing more serious, as if he sensed the urgency of the situation.

Riana closed her eyes for a fleeting moment, gathering her thoughts. “All right, I’ll be there.”

***

“Is everything ready?” Althea inquired, her voice steady as she prepared to start the engine. She had turned down the offer from one of the household staff who had stepped forward to drive Josh and Grace to school. Accepting that help would only drag her back into the painful memories of Daven.

With Lydia away since the early hours for an important meeting in Mighatan, the house buzzed with obligations that seemed impossible to postpone.

That left Althea to navigate the morning alone.

She was clinging to a routine that provided her with a semblance of normalcy, an anchor amidst the tumult of her emotions.

“All set,” Grace and Josh chimed in unison, their voices bright and cheerful.

“Wonderful!” Althea’s smile radiated warmth. “Let’s hit the road.”

During the drive, Althea absorbed every word from Grace and Josh—their stories, their laughter, and the occasional gentle reminders she offered, all aimed at guiding them toward the futures she envisioned for them. It was a delicate balance, supporting their vastly different interests; Josh thrived in sports, while Grace blossomed in social settings.

“If your uncle thinks that, then I’m confident it won’t be long before Daddy returns home,” Althea reassured him, her heart swelling with hope.

Josh nodded, clearly satisfied by her response. “And when Daddy’s back, we’ll go on vacation like Grandma wants. What do you think?”

Althea’s smile widened, a genuine warmth spreading through her. “I’m all for that vacation, sweetheart.”

“I can’t wait!” Josh exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he looked at her with bright eyes.

“I’ll pick you up right on time, Josh. Or… do you have any other activities at school today?” she asked, wanting to ensure she was there for him.

“Nope!” Josh exclaimed, shifting in his seat, eager to get out. SunRise Academy was already coming into view. As the car came to a stop in front of the school, Althea waited until he stepped out before releasing a long, relieved breath.

“Have fun at school, Josh!” she called out, waving as he dashed off to catch up with his friends at the gate.

Once he was out of sight, Althea returned to the car, her mind swirling with thoughts. She didn’t head home immediately. After everything that had transpired, she craved a moment of simplicity—something that would allow her to escape the burdens of the news, the high-profile names, and the family drama. She decided to stop by the supermarket, hoping to prepare something special for Riana. At the very least, it was a small gesture of care she could offer amidst the chaos.

Arriving at one of SunCity’s larger shopping centers, Althea entered the grocery aisle, which was bustling with activity. Suddenly, she collided with something—or someone.

“Oh, I’m so sorry—excuse me,” she said, her voice filled with genuine remorse.