HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 1023

That afternoon, Eli sat on a bench in a park not far from the Raven University sports complex. David was still practicing with his team, while Eli chose to wait for him outside. The book she had brought earlier was open on her lap, but she had not read a single page for the past few minutes.

Her phone vibrated. When she saw the name that appeared on the screen, Eli's face immediately brightened.

"Josh." She quickly answered the call. "What's wrong?"

Josh's voice came from the other end. "I just want to make sure you haven't forgotten that you have to come home this weekend."

Eli let out a soft laugh. "I haven't forgotten."

"Really? Because last week you said you were coming home, then you suddenly got busy with assignments."

"That's not my fault. The professor gave us an extra assignment," Eli protested with a laugh.

"Excuses."

Eli chuckled. "I'm serious."

Josh laughed along with her. The simple conversation made Eli feel more relaxed. She could talk to Josh without having to think about what to say. They had known each other for too long to need small talk.

"Have you eaten?" Josh then asked.

"Yes."

"Don't lie." Josh asked suspiciously.

"I really have eaten."

"Good. Otherwise, I'll have someone deliver food to you."

Eli immediately laughed. "You're so annoying."

"But you still miss me, right?"

Eli held back her laughter. "Who says?"

"I do."

"You're too confident."

"Not too confident. It's just a fact you can't deny."

Eli laughed again. She did not even realize that the smile had not left her face all this time. Several students walking past the park glanced at her, but Eli paid no attention to them.

"Don't forget to come home this weekend," Josh reminded her again. "Mom and Dad have asked about you several times. I don't want to make excuses to GrandMom and GrandDad again either."

"I know. I already promised."

"Good. Then I'll be waiting for you."

Eli was just about to answer when the sound of footsteps came from behind her.

She turned.

David stood a few meters away from her. The man had just finished practice. His hair was slightly messy, and the T-shirt he was wearing was damp with sweat. However, instead of immediately approaching her, David simply stood there, watching Eli as she continued smiling while talking on the phone.

Eli did not notice him.

Eli shrugged. "Not that often."

David looked at her. "But you looked really happy."

Eli was slightly surprised by his tone. "Am I not allowed to look happy when I'm talking to my friend?"

"That's not what I mean." David sighed, then stood up. "Come on."

Eli picked up her bag and followed him. She was still confused by David's attitude. "Are you angry?"

"I'm not angry."

"But your face—"

David shot her a sharp glance. "I just don't like seeing you get too close to another guy."

Eli fell silent. She had not expected David to say something like that. "He's just my best friend."

David did not say anything. He simply walked beside Eli with an expression that was still slightly stiff.

Eli finally smiled faintly. She did not know whether she should feel annoyed or happy instead. David looked jealous. And somehow, that made her heart feel warm.

"Don't worry," she said softly. "My friend isn't what you think."

David turned to her with a long sigh. "All right, I trust you."

That answer made Eli smile again. To Eli, David's jealousy at that moment felt like proof that the man truly cared about her.