HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 616

Chapter 616

The afternoon air felt lighter the moment they stepped out of the courthouse.

No more flashing cameras. No more whispers filled with judgment. Just the quiet rhythm of their footsteps as they made their way back to the car-slower now, calmer… relieved.

Eli walked beside Althea.

She didn’t say much.

But this time, it wasn’t because she was holding something back. It was because she was feeling something new-something unfamiliar.

Lightness.

“It’s over,” she murmured softly.

Althea glanced at her and smiled. “Yes. It’s over.”

Eli gave a small nod. Almost unconsciously, her hand found Althea’s again, fingers wrapping gently around it. Unlike before, that touch wasn’t filled with fear. Just… a quiet need to know she wasn’t alone.

Daven, walking on the other side, noticed it. His gaze softened.

“Yes,” he said calmly. “It’s all over now. There are still a few things left to handle, but you don’t need to worry. Everything is under control.”

Eli and Althea both nodded.

“Let’s go home,” Daven added.

The ride back felt peaceful.

No heavy conversations. No lingering tension in the air.

Grace had fallen asleep against Riana’s shoulder, Josh occasionally leaned toward Eli, speaking in a low voice, trying to keep things light. The two of them had stayed in the car the entire time, under special security, they weren’t allowed inside the courtroom, though both of them had found a way around Riana Miller’s soft spot to come along anyway.

“So… you’re still helping me with math tomorrow, right?” Josh asked.

Eli turned to him and smiled faintly, “Of course. But you’re usually good at math. Is it getting harder?”

“Not really. I just prefer studying with someone. And I don’t get that part.” Josh grinned.

“Josh is terrible,” Grace mumbled sleepily.

Josh scoffed. “You’re not any better.”

A quiet laugh followed.

And for the first time, Eli laughed too-without hesitation.

On the other hand, Althea leaned gently against Daven’s shoulder. The movement was small, but enough for him to notice immediately.

“Tired?” he asked softly.

Althea nodded. “A little.”

Daven shifted slightly to make her more comfortable, his hand instinctively brushing along her arm in a gentle, soothing motion. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” he murmured.

“I didn’t want to bother you.”

Daven glanced at her. “You never bother me.”

A faint smile touched Althea’s lips.

Over the past few weeks, she had been tiring more easily. Her body felt different-more sensitive, quicker to exhaust, and… more in need of someone she could lean on.

And that someone had always been Daven.

She let out a slow breath, her fingers unconsciously curling around the edge of his shirt.

Daven noticed. And didn’t pull away. By the time they arrived home, the atmosphere shifted once again- warm, familiar, and welcoming.

The staff greeted them quietly as they entered. No one asked unnecessary questions, but everyone understood-today had mattered.

“Let’s have dinner together,” Riana said.

Nathan nodded. “It’s all over. We deserve to celebrate.”

Grace let out a small cheer. “Finally!”

Josh laughed. “You’re just excited about the food.”

“Of course, Family dinners are the best,” Grace shot back without hesitation.

Eli lingered at the edge of the living room for a few seconds. She looked inside-really looked. Then, slowly, she stepped in. That feeling returned.

Warm.

But it is stronger this time.

As if she truly… belonged.

The evening unfolded in light conversation. No one brought up the trial anymore. Just small stories, easy laughter, and a warmth that felt real-steady, comforting.

Eli sat between Josh and Grace. Sometimes they talked, sometimes they simply shared the quiet ease of being together.

“Where are we studying tomorrow?” Josh asked.

“In the study room,” Eli replied.

“I want to join too,” Grace chimed in.

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