HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 403

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

**Chapter 403**

Cale entered the room with a flourish, his arms wide as he swept his nephew into a warm embrace that lingered just a moment longer than usual. Josh’s eyes widened in surprise, but soon enough, the unexpected affection transformed into a fit of giggles, filling the air with joy. Riana and Nathan exchanged glances, their hearts swelling with gratitude for the warmth that enveloped their home like a cozy blanket.

As if sensing the happy atmosphere, Grace joined the huddle, her presence adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the morning. Althea observed her family with a soft smile playing on her lips, her heart swelling with love. This scene—chaotic, boisterous, and undeniably beautiful—was the essence of her life, a blessing she cherished deeply. “Please, Lord,” she whispered silently, a prayer escaping her lips, “keep them all safe in Your love.”

Lydia, ever the practical one, broke the momentary reverie. “We should probably start eating. We don’t want to be late,” she reminded everyone, her voice laced with urgency as a maid trailed behind her, balancing a platter of golden-brown toast.

“Okay, Aunt Lydia,” Grace chirped, her voice bright and obedient, as she slid into the seat beside Cale. Josh and the others quickly followed her lead, eager to dig into the feast before them.

The dining table soon transformed into a lively symphony of clinking silverware and the cheerful pouring of juice. Conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving through topics like today’s quizzes, Grace’s latest dinosaur drawings, and Josh’s increasingly packed schedule. Cale leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as he offered Josh some brotherly advice. “Focus on what you truly love, buddy,” he said earnestly. “You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin and lose sight of your studies.”

Josh, caught mid-bite, suddenly asked, “When is Papa coming home, Mom?” His voice held a mix of eagerness and curiosity. “I want to tell him my math grade went up!”

Grace’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she chimed in, “I want to show him too! I learned how to make a mosaic out of paper!” Her enthusiasm was contagious.

Daven will be so happy to hear that,” Althea replied, a smile tugging at her lips as she fought back the urge to beam.

Just as the family was savoring their breakfast, the soft, steady rhythm of footsteps echoed from the corridor, followed by the unmistakable sound of a chair being pulled back.

“Good morning, everyone,” a familiar voice rang out.

Josh was the first to react, his spoon pausing mid-air as he looked up in disbelief. “Dad—?”

Grace’s head whipped around next, her eyes widening in shock. “Papa?”

Standing in the doorway was Daven, his light blue shirt sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows, a broad grin spreading across his tired-but-happy face. As he took in the sight of his two small children frozen in surprise, he couldn’t help but laugh. And then, in a heartbeat, they launched themselves at him like twin rockets.

“DADDY!” they shouted in unison.

Daven crouched down just in time, his arms opening wide to embrace the duo. “Surprise!” he exclaimed, laughter bubbling from his chest.

“You’re home!” Josh practically shouted, his voice filled with joy.

“Since when?” Grace demanded, her arms tightly locked around his neck, as if afraid he might disappear again.

“Thank you,” Daven murmured, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. In that fleeting second, a quiet, meaningful connection passed between them, conveying more than words ever could.

The dining room, once buzzing with morning energy, now radiated a warmth that filled every corner. It felt as if the day had been waiting for this final piece of the puzzle to fall into place, to truly feel complete. Daven settled into his seat, with Josh still hovering at his side, leaning half his weight against his father’s arm—a display of affection Josh would never dare show outside these walls, especially in front of his friends.

At fourteen, Josh was already tall, maturing into a young man who often kept the world at arm’s length. Yet here, in the comforting presence of his parents, he was still that little boy who found his greatest sense of security in his father’s shadow.

Grace, however, had no interest in subtlety. She scrambled into the chair next to Daven, her legs swinging back and forth in a rhythm of excitement, her hand never leaving his arm. Every so often, she nestled her head against his shoulder, checking to ensure he was really there and wouldn’t vanish on another business trip anytime soon.

“Papa, eat this,” Grace insisted, pushing a small plate of sliced fruit toward him with an expression so serious it felt like a life-or-death mission.

Daven leaned in, obediently taking a slice of apple. “Thank you, Dr. Nutritionist,” he said, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

Grace erupted into giggles, her laughter ringing through the room.

Finally, Josh took his seat, but he angled his entire body toward his father, speaking rapidly with an infectious excitement about school, about the subjects that were finally starting to click, and the teachers who were beginning to trust him with more responsibility. There wasn’t a hint of bragging in his tone; it was simply the raw, unfiltered desire to be heard by the man he held in the highest regard.

Althea watched the scene unfold from across the table, her hands busy pouring warm tea, yet her gaze remained fixed on her family. A bittersweet ache swelled in her chest—a mixture of profound relief and a quiet, lingering heaviness. Seeing her little family whole again was everything she ever wanted, even if she knew this feeling of completeness was often borrowed time, constantly bartered against the heavy responsibilities waiting just beyond their front door.