HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 115

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

**Chapter 115**

“You haven’t even taken a sip of your tea,” Ruth remarked with a casual tone, her voice light as a feather, as she delicately raised her porcelain cup to her lips. The cup was adorned with intricate floral designs that danced across its surface, catching the sunlight filtering through the leaves. “Such a pity to let perfectly good tea go untouched.”

Althea offered a sheepish smile, finally lifting the cup she had been cradling in her hands but had yet to bring to her mouth. “I’m sorry, Aunt Ruth. I… I suppose I’m just feeling a bit anxious.”

“Nervous?” Ruth’s eyebrow arched slightly, her calm demeanor contrasting with the keen glimmer in her eyes, which seemed to dissect every nuance of Althea’s expression. “Is it because of me?”

A soft, awkward laugh escaped Althea’s lips, a sound tinged with embarrassment. “Something like that. But honestly, I think it’s more about how quickly everything is unfolding.”

The late afternoon air in the Miller family garden was crisp, invigorating, and filled with the scent of blooming flowers. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, sending a flurry of petals swirling around the gazebo, creating a picturesque scene that felt perfect for intimate conversations over tea and sweet treats.

Althea still struggled to wrap her mind around the reality of her situation—sitting across from Ruth Miller. Chase had shared countless stories about his cherished aunt, painting her as a confidante and a pillar of support in his life, someone he turned to even more than his own mother. In many ways, Ruth was closer to him than anyone else in his family. Now, Althea found herself in this delicate moment, feeling as if she were treading on unfamiliar ground.

“If you think you’re overwhelmed, just imagine how I must feel,” Ruth said, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Chase never mentioned a thing about the two of you.”

The words made Althea’s hands fidget in her lap, her fingers twisting nervously as discomfort churned within her. She knew she couldn’t simply retreat from this conversation; she had to confront it head-on.

“Chase is usually so open about everything—his work, the organizations he leads, even his efforts to reshape the education system through his foundation,” Ruth continued, her voice softening with a sigh. “But when it comes to you… nothing. I suppose I’ve come to realize that Chase is better at keeping secrets than I ever imagined. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Althea cast her gaze downward, guilt flickering through her, even though she understood that this wasn’t entirely her fault. “I honestly don’t know how to explain it, Aunt Ruth. The truth is, our relationship has only just begun. Chase and I have known each other for a while, but it’s only recently that I found the courage to let him in. None of this was planned. It caught me off guard too. But I completely understand if you feel—”

“Oh, no—don’t misunderstand me,” Ruth interjected gently, her smile soft yet knowing. “It’s not that I disapprove. I just feel… a little left out. To me, Chase is still a boy. To think he kept something so significant from me—it feels as if I’m not even worthy of knowing what’s happening in his life.”

Her voice retained a firm tone, but there was an undeniable warmth within it, reminiscent of a mother gently admonishing her child for growing up too quickly and leaving her behind.

Althea finally exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her shoulders relaxed, and a more genuine smile blossomed on her lips. She nodded slightly. “Chase mentioned that you’re one of the people he respects the most.”

“He respects me?” Ruth scoffed lightly, a chuckle escaping her. “Still, he can be insufferable when he gets stubborn,” she muttered, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. Then she turned her gaze back to Althea, her expression softening further.

“But I must admit, there’s a noticeable shift in his demeanor when he talks about you. He goes on and on—’Althea this, Althea that’—and honestly, it’s nothing like the Chase I know. There’s something there… something I’ve never witnessed before.”

Althea looked at Ruth, momentarily at a loss for words. After a brief pause, a quiet smile graced her lips—not merely in response to the compliment, but because of the profound gratitude blossoming within her.

“You don’t mind… that I’m truly going to be a part of his life?” she asked tentatively.

“Why would I?” Ruth’s gaze remained steady, unwavering. “You’re the mother of a remarkable little boy named Josh. And you’ve given Chase something he’s never had before—a future he genuinely wants to build. You should know that even though Chase is deeply committed to his work, whenever we inquired about his personal plans, he never provided a clear answer. But this time…”

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle, her eyes locked on Althea.

“This time, Chase speaks of a life with you. The three of you—together. And for a family like ours, that’s more than enough reason to welcome you in.”

Althea felt the sting of tears prick her eyes, blinking them back in disbelief. Of all the people she had anticipated would construct barriers, she never imagined Ruth would be the one to envelop her in such a profound sense of peace. Compared to Riana Miller, Ruth was more formidable, sharper in her words—like someone who was unaccustomed to being challenged. Yet, behind her composed facade, Althea glimpsed warmth… kindness. It radiated from her eyes, honest and unmistakably sincere.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Chris,” Chase cautioned, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Speaking of which—remember that apartment project I was handling a while back?”

“The one you dropped without a word?” Chase interjected, concern creeping into his tone.

Chris groaned, frustration evident. “I didn’t drop it. I had to back off. The external pressure was insane. And after some digging, I found out that bastard Harold was behind the whole thing. Unfortunately, I don’t have the authority to step back in anymore.”

Chase’s brow deepened in concern. “You’re sure Harold’s the one who sabotaged the project?”

“That’s exactly why I caused a scene at Star Club,” Chris muttered, his fists clenching in anger. “I can’t believe he deceived all of us.”

Chase fell silent, the weight of the situation settling in.

“And get this,” Chris continued, his tone shifting to one of intrigue. “There’s a foreign investor now, interested in picking the project back up.”

“Who?” Chase asked, leaning in with curiosity.

“Callister Group.”

“Daven Callister?”