HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 113

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

**Chapter 113**

Althea found herself sighing repeatedly, each exhale a desperate attempt to ease the knots of anxiety coiling tightly in her stomach. She stood before the mirror, adjusting her hair and smoothing down the fabric of her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. The outfit she had chosen harmonized beautifully with the polo shirts that Chase and Josh wore, creating an image of a family that was not just a facade but a genuine connection. The thought of appearing coordinated with them filled her with a bittersweet sense of belonging.

On the living room table lay a small gift, carefully wrapped, that she had prepared to take to Chase’s home. He had insisted she needn’t worry about bringing anything, but the idea of arriving empty-handed felt fundamentally wrong to her. It was a small token, but it represented her desire to contribute, to be part of this new chapter in her life.

“Are you ready?” Chase inquired, his face breaking into a broad, infectious smile. His gaze traveled over her, taking in every detail, and she felt a rush of warmth at his admiration. Yet, she was acutely aware of the tension radiating from her. “You seem a bit nervous,” he observed, his voice laced with concern.

Althea rolled her eyes in mild irritation. “You’re really asking me that?” she replied, her tone laced with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.

“Why would you feel nervous?” Chase chuckled lightly, stepping closer and gently clasping her hand in his. His touch was warm, grounding, as if to remind her that she wasn’t alone in this moment. “My mom has been eagerly anticipating this all week. She’s excited to meet you and to cook together.”

Althea held his gaze, her heart racing with a mix of hope and trepidation. “I truly hope she means that,” she murmured, seeking reassurance in his eyes.

“Uncle Chase!” Josh’s enthusiastic voice rang out, breaking the moment. “Sunny and I are ready!”

Chase laughed, the sound bright and uplifting. “See? Even Josh can’t wait to get to my house and play with Emma, Jack, and Ethan. So really, there’s no need for you to be nervous. Just channel your inner Josh and be cheerful, sweetheart.”

Easier said than done, she thought, the weight of her past pressing down on her like a heavy cloak. She tried to focus on his words, but memories of her previous encounters kept creeping in, shadows that refused to dissipate. Despite the warmth and sincerity of her dinner with Riana and Daniel Miller, she couldn’t shake the haunting contrast of her experiences with the Callisters—cold, humiliating, and painful. Those memories were not easily erased.

After all, who could truly predict what the future held? There lingered a fear that this kindness could one day turn into something sharp and painful. Disappointment could strike again, especially with Josh in the mix. Even though those worries belonged to a future that was yet unwritten, the scars of her past clung to her like a relentless shadow.

“Come on,” Chase urged gently, extending his hand once more—the same hand that had always been her anchor. It was strong, reassuring, and unwavering. There had been a time when she had pushed him away, convinced he deserved someone better, someone more deserving of his affection.

But he had never faltered.

He often reminded her, “My feelings are my own. When I express how I feel about you, it’s simply to make you aware. And if I were asked to let go of this one-sided love, then the pain—whatever heartache or disappointment it brings—belongs to me alone.”

Althea’s gaze remained locked on Chase, her heart fluttering in her chest. Behind him, she could see Josh and Sunny already climbing into the car, their excited chatter filling the air with a vibrant energy. Josh’s gleeful voice was a beacon, urging her to believe—just for this moment—in everything Chase had been telling her about their relationship, about the future he envisioned for them.

“Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep your mother waiting too long,” Althea finally said, accepting the warmth of Chase’s outstretched hand.

As their fingers intertwined, a smile blossomed on his face, a testament to the small victories he had achieved in earning her trust.

While she might not have fully reciprocated his feelings just yet, for the first time, Althea felt a shift within herself. She was beginning to open up, and more importantly, she was no longer shackled by the chains of her past. The ghost of Daven Callister, once a heavy presence in her life, was starting to fade.

Once, there had been love, but the pain that Daven had inflicted upon her was a weight too great to bear. It had overwhelmed her until the love had withered away alongside the hurt. And even though remnants of him lingered, if she had ever truly craved Daven’s love or recognition, she would have introduced him to Josh long ago.

But she hadn’t.

Instead, Althea had forged a different path—one that was just for her and Josh, in a new place where their identities were unknown. A life that was quiet, modest, and filled with peace. It was this very existence that had captivated Chase and drawn him into a deep, unwavering love for her.

The car ride was alive with Josh’s relentless chatter. He animatedly recounted tales of his week at school, his favorite games, and what Sunny had done that morning—each detail spilling forth with infectious enthusiasm. Sunny barked occasionally, adding to the cheerful chaos of the journey.

“Of course I am, Granddad,” Josh replied proudly. Whatever conversation ensued next was lost as Daniel gently led Josh away, their laughter echoing in the air.

Watching this warm and genuine welcome unfold, Althea felt a swell of emotion rise within her chest. She hadn’t anticipated such authenticity in their love for Josh—or their acceptance of her relationship with Chase.

“I told you there was nothing to worry about,” Chase whispered, his voice a soft murmur that startled her slightly.

“You were right,” Althea admitted, striving to keep her voice steady amidst the whirlwind of feelings.

“What was I right about?” Riana asked, a puzzled expression crossing her face. “Come here, don’t I get a hug from my daughter?”

Tears welled up in Althea’s eyes, the tenderness of the moment catching her off guard.

“Wait—what’s wrong?” Riana asked, her voice tinged with concern. “Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

Althea shook her head quickly, but before she could articulate her feelings, another voice broke through the moment, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Before you all get caught up in this reunion, may I have a word with Chase’s fiancée? I’m Ruth Miller, Chase’s beloved aunt. I need to know what kind of woman is going to marry my nephew.”

“Auntie…” Chase sighed, exhaling deeply as he approached the middle-aged woman who clearly held a special place in his heart. “Come on, we just got here. And Althea’s still feeling a little out of place.”

“No,” Ruth insisted firmly, leaving no room for debate. “You’re not charming your way out of this one, Chase.” Her gaze shifted to Althea, piercing yet warm. “Is that all right with you?”