HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 426

Chapter 426

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“Just take it,” Josh said lightly. “Think of it as Grandma’s way of saying thank you for saving her.”

Eli nodded uncertainly and accepted the gift, opening it slowly. “Thank you, Grandma. I really like this watch.” “Josh picked it out,” Riana said with a bright smile. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Oh, I see,” Eli let out a soft laugh.

“What would you like to drink?” Riana asked as she handed her the menu. “Choose whatever you like. You don’t mind the restaurant choice, do you?”

“Of course not. I like pizza too,” Eli said with a wide smile. So…. I don’t have to feel awkward about picking something I want, right?”

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Chapter 475

Chapter 426

Riana nodded, and a moment later a waiter came over to take Eli’s order.

“How’s school?” Riana asked.

“It’s going well,” Eli replied. “My most recent grades were used as a reference for class placement. Since I’m a transfer student, my guidance counselor evaluated me and gave me a short test. Luckily, I passed it without any problems,”

“That’s good to hear,” Riana said. “Do you like the school?

“I do, Grandma. There are a lot of capable teachers there. I also like the singing club.”

“Have you already signed up?”

“Yes.” Eli looked even more animated.

“What subject do you like the most?” Riana asked, watching her closely. The conversation felt light on the surface, but Riana was quietly trying to understand the girl sitting across from her. There were still a clear innocence and sincerity shining in Eli’s eyes.

“History,” Eli answered without hesitation. “I like understanding cause and effect.”

Riana smiled faintly. “That makes sense.”

Not long after, the waiter brought Eli’s order along with an extra side for Josh. They ate slowly, the conversation flowing easily-about books, the route home from school, what the school cafeteria was like, and a dozen small, ordinary things. Eli spoke calmly, never overdoing it. Riana listened, occasionally asking questions.

Then, after a natural pause, Eli spoke again, more softly.

“Grandma.”

“Yes? What is it, Eli?” Riana replied gently.

“Before I came into the restaurant, I saw you and Josh laughing together.”

Josh lifted his gaze and looked straight at her. “Isn’t that normal?”

“Yes, you’re right,” Eli said with a small smile. “It’s normal-and it looked very warm. I… don’t experience that very often.”

Josh set his spoon down. “I don’t quite get what you mean. Are you jealous?”

“No,” Eli denied quickly. “I just imagine what it would feel like if I experienced it myself. It must be really nice.” Riana studied her for a long moment. There was honesty there-and something else, too, as if the words had been carefully prepared. Her instincts began to piece together the intention behind Eli’s sentences. “What do you imagine, exactly?” she asked softly.

“Coming home to a place where there’s always someone there,” Eli replied.

Josh spoke before Riana could, his tone flat. “A home isn’t about how many people live in it.”

“But togetherness is,” Eli said quickly, then stopped. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-

“It’s all right,” Riana said gently, “Go on.”

Eli took a breath. “Sometimes I think… if I were truly part of the Miller family, maybe that sense of togetherness

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Chapter 476

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Josh interrupted softly, “So you mean you want to be with our family? So you wouldn’t have to imagine what warmth feels like anymore?”

Eli turned to him. “I don’t want to take anything away from anyone.”

“I never said that,” Josh replied with a faint smirk. “Because there’s nothing to take in the first place.”

Riana felt two different currents running across the table. She chose honesty. “If we already had certainty about your status,” she said quietly, “I wouldn’t turn a blind eye. But I also won’t change anything just because of a momentary push of emotion.”

Eli nodded quickly. “I understand.”

“And there’s no agreement of any kind tied to today,” Josh added, “especially not about whatever you might be thinking.”

Eli smiled softly, meeting Josh’s gaze without hesitation. “I’m not asking for anything.”

Riana sensed the conversation edging toward a small clash. Josh might look calm and relaxed, but his words had been sharp and precise, landing exactly where they were meant to. Eli, meanwhile, was doing her best to stay composed, never losing sight of why she had come today.

To be acknowledged. And to be openly accepted by the Miller family.

“Thank you for saying what you wanted to say, Eli,” Riana said, gently touching the back of Eli’s hand. “I appreciate what you shared today.”

“Thank you,” Eli replied. “I… I’m happy to be sitting here. Talking with you-and with Josh.”

Josh rolled his eyes in mild annoyance.

“Ah-does your school have a basketball tournament coming up?” Riana quickly changed the subject, sensing it was time to steer the two teenagers away from trading sharp looks. “I hear Saint Loisse also has a strong basketball team.”

“Yes, Grandma. I’ve seen them do practice matches a few times,” Eli said. “I think this championship is quite prestigious.”

“That’s right,” Riana said with a wide smile. “Josh will also be representing his school in the interschool basketball competition. He’s the team captain.”

Eli smiled faintly. “Yes, I know. He’s really good at basketball.”

Josh looked at her, surprised. “You’ve… seen me play?”

Eli nodded, focusing on him. “If I’m not mistaken, it was during a break. You were very energetic on the court. It makes sense-you’re the captain.”

“When did you see me? At my school?”

“I visited SunRise Academy once and happened to see you.

Josh frowned slightly. “Why were you there?”

Riana was curious too, even though she already had some idea of what Selena and Eli had been doing that day. Still, this was her chance to hear it directly-to understand Selena’s intentions more clearly.

“Yes,” Riana said gently. “What were you doing there, Eli?

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