HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 148

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 148**

The stubborn gleam in Josh’s eyes conveyed a silent urgency, a desperate plea that he directed toward Chris, as if he was silently begging for just a little more time with Daven. It was a look that could break through the thickest walls.

“Alright, alright,” Chris relented, releasing a heavy sigh that echoed his defeat. He felt utterly outmatched. That expression on Josh’s face could soften even the hardest of hearts. “You wouldn’t mind indulging my nephew’s request, would you, Mr. Daven?”

“Not at all,” Daven replied, his voice smooth as silk, signaling for his driver to prepare. Yet, just as he was about to step into the car, Chris’s hand shot out, halting him in his tracks.

“I really don’t understand—what is the nature of your relationship with Josh?” Chris’s voice was laced with suspicion, a thread of protectiveness woven into his words. “He’s the son of—”

“Althea Grayson. Yes, I’m well aware,” Daven interjected, a faint smile playing on his lips, tinged with a hint of nostalgia. “But if you’re assuming I’m his father, you should dismiss that notion immediately. As much as I long to claim Josh as my own, that dream is sadly unattainable.”

He paused, his gaze drifting to the small figure of Josh as he clambered into the car, a flicker of longing passing through his eyes. “Still… it would bring me immense joy if he were.”

Chris scrutinized Daven for a moment, weighing the sincerity in his eyes against the protective instincts swirling within him. “I assume this arrangement has been running smoothly. Let’s keep it that way. I don’t want anything to disrupt my sister and her future husband because of you, Mr. Daven. I’m only allowing you to drive us today due to Josh’s request. Just remember—stick to the boundaries you agreed upon with my brother.”

****

“Oh God,” Althea whispered, her voice trembling as if the weight of her fears was pressing down on her. “Please… protect Lydia. She’s my best friend.” Bowing her head, she intertwined her fingers so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her heart racing with each silent prayer. “I’m pleading for Your help, for Your miracle.”

Chase had lost count of how many times he had stolen glances at her during the drive to Mighatan. She had been crying the entire way, her eyes swollen and red-rimmed, her voice quivering as she tried to articulate her fears between sobs.

“I’m certain God is watching over Lydia, sweetheart. I know she’s a good woman—and she cares for you deeply. He wouldn’t abandon her in this time of need,” he reassured her, his voice steady, attempting to instill hope in her heart.

Althea lifted her head, her eyes locking onto his as he focused intently on the road ahead. “The doctor said she’s critical, Chase. I’m terrified… I’m terrified that—”

He tightened his grip on her hand resting on her lap, his touch a lifeline in the storm of her emotions. One hand firmly on the steering wheel, the other holding hers as if he could anchor her through sheer contact. “That’s not going to happen, sweetheart.”

It would be disingenuous to claim he wasn’t worried. From what he had overheard during her frantic phone call with the hospital, Lydia’s condition was dire. But he refused to let fear dictate their reality until they had all the facts.

“Listen to me,” he said, his voice low yet firm, cutting through the tension. “We’ll be there soon. And Lydia—she’s strong. She’s faced worse challenges than this. Trust me, sweetheart, she will pull through.”

Althea nodded faintly, clinging to his words as if they were a lifeline in turbulent waters. Lydia lived alone in Mighatan, just like Althea; both women had faced their share of solitude—except now, Althea had Josh and Chase by her side.

Chase, who had been listening intently to the doctor’s updates, interjected. “Please, do everything possible for her. Ensure Miss Lydia receives the best care available. And keep me informed of her condition. If there’s anything this hospital isn’t equipped to handle, I’ll arrange for her transfer to the finest facility.”

The doctor’s gaze sharpened, taking in the urgency in Chase’s voice.

“Ah—I’m Chase Miller. My uncle, Julian Miller, is one of the top surgeons in the country. Do you… know him?”

The doctor’s expression brightened into a smile. “So you’re Dr. Julian’s nephew. Of course. You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Chase. We’ll provide Miss Lydia with the best care we can. I’ll personally ensure you receive regular updates on her progress.”

“Thank you,” Chase replied, gratitude flooding his voice.

Once the doctor departed, Chase moved closer to Althea, positioning himself protectively behind her. His hand began to draw slow, soothing circles across her back, allowing her to release the torrent of emotions she had been holding in. Inside, he willed Lydia to open her eyes. At the very least, he hoped she would regain consciousness in time to hear the joyous news about their upcoming wedding.

She was one of the most important guests they had.

“Please, Lydia,” he murmured under his breath, his heart aching with hope. “Wake up. We have such wonderful news for you. I know you’d be happy. I’m certain of it.”