HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 128

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 128**

As the ambulance sped through the night, the sirens wailing like a mournful song, Vanessa found herself in a storm of emotions. Tears streamed down her cheeks, each sob a reminder of the chaos that had engulfed her life. She clutched her father’s hand tightly, as if her grip could somehow tether him to this world. Panic coursed through her veins, mingling with guilt and disbelief. How had everything unraveled so completely? She had gone to great lengths to keep their secret hidden, masking the truth behind forced smiles and a facade of affection.

But deep down, she knew she hadn’t embarked on this path without reason.

This was Daven’s fault.

If he hadn’t turned a blind eye to her, if he hadn’t made her feel like a mere ghost in his life, she would never have sought solace in another’s arms. At least James had listened. He had never questioned her, had never made her feel small. He had given her what she craved, without hesitation or judgment.

“I won’t let things unfold the way Daven wants,” she vowed silently, squeezing her father’s hand even tighter, her heart racing as she prayed for his recovery.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, the lobby erupted into a frenzy of activity. Nurses darted toward the emergency stretcher that bore Theo Blake’s still form, while his aide barked orders, clearing a path through the chaos and summoning the attending physician.

“Mr. Theo Blake! Sixty-two years old! He collapsed without warning—blood pressure normal!” one of the paramedics shouted, urgency lacing his voice.

Vanessa, her face a canvas of tears, sprinted after them, her heart pounding in her chest. “Dad! Daddy, please open your eyes! It’s me, Dad! Please!” Her voice trembled, a desperate plea echoing in the sterile air.

“Miss, please remain calm. We’ll take care of your father,” a nurse said firmly, blocking her path just as the ER doors swung open, revealing a world of frantic medical professionals.

“I want to go with him! I—”

“I’m sorry, Miss Vanessa,” Theo’s aide interjected, his tone polite yet resolute. “The medical team needs space to perform their duties. I must ask you to wait outside.”

Vanessa bit down on her lip, the taste of iron mingling with the salt of her tears. Her entire body shook with fear. She had never seen her father like this—so limp, so unconscious, so utterly helpless.

Daven lingered a short distance behind her, his expression inscrutable. His eyes were cold, void of the warmth they once held. He stood there, silent and detached, a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around them.

“Daven,” Vanessa called, her voice quaking as she approached him, each step uncertain. “I thought you… thank you for coming.”

“I didn’t come for you,” Daven replied, his tone icy. “I brought my father-in-law to the hospital. That’s simply what any son-in-law would do.”

A heavy silence hung between them before he added, sharper now, “Especially since it all happened right in front of me.”

Vanessa swallowed hard, her gaze searching for connection, but Daven turned away, his indifference cutting deeper than she expected. She longed to speak, to pour out her heart, to plead for understanding, for forgiveness, for anything that might bridge the chasm between them. But where to begin?

“Are… are you going to wait for an update from the doctor?” she ventured quietly, her heart racing with hope and fear.

Daven shook his head dismissively. “No. I’ve ensured your father is receiving proper treatment. My social duty is fulfilled.”

“You’re just going to walk away?” Vanessa stepped closer, incredulity rising in her voice.

Their eyes met, but the warmth that once ignited their connection had been extinguished, replaced by a chilling distance.

“After everything that’s happened—after what you’ve done—you’re just going to leave?”

“What’s wrong with wanting clarity? With seeking proof?” Daven replied, a faint smirk playing on his lips, as if mocking her desperation. “But since your father’s condition doesn’t permit it right now, I’m willing to postpone that discussion.”

“What about me?”

He blinked at her, confusion flickering in his eyes. “What about you?”

“Don’t you want to hear my side of the story?”

“I’ve already told you. If you have something to say, convey it to my lawyer. I have no interest in hearing it.”

Only one thought emerged from the chaos: she needed to prepare her defense. She would plead with him, beg if necessary, to convince him she was willing to amend everything.

Even if it meant sacrificing her career.

“Miss Vanessa,” the aide’s voice broke through her daze, pulling her back to the present.

She lifted her head, her heart racing. “Yes?”

“You should go home and rest. I’ll stay with Mr. Blake. No matter how small the update, I’ll inform you immediately.”

Vanessa’s gaze drifted toward the room where her father was being treated. She hesitated, torn between her worry and the aide’s advice, before finally giving a faint nod. He was right; she needed to rest.

Tomorrow… she had to be ready.

She had to make Daven take back what he had said.

She was not prepared to lose him.

“Then please take good care of my father,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Let me know the moment anything changes.”

The aide nodded quickly. “Of course, Miss.”

Vanessa turned to leave, each step heavy with exhaustion, her body weighed down by the crushing burden of everything that had transpired.

That night, as she lay in bed, Vanessa Blake realized she had lost more than she had ever anticipated. But no more. No more losing.

Not Daven—not for her life.