HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 159

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

**Chapter 159**

“I can’t shake the feeling that I should return to SunCity,” Daven whispered, his fingers clenching tightly around the test results as if they were a lifeline.

“I doubt that’s a viable option right now,” Arsen replied, his tone firm yet understanding. “I don’t mean to dampen your spirits, but you have a mountain of responsibilities awaiting you at the office. I’ve already sent you the updated schedule and a slew of reports concerning the SunCity project. Mr. Harold is genuinely thrilled about our collaboration. You can go through them tomorrow.”

Daven exhaled a heavy sigh, allowing silence to envelop the moment. “You’re ruining my moment,” he muttered under his breath, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

“Forgive me for that,” Arsen said, his voice softening.

Daven’s gaze fell once more to the test results, still a source of disbelief for him. Each time his eyes rested on that number, an overwhelming tide of emotions swept over him, akin to a colossal wave crashing onto the shore—not to knock him down, but to pull him under, into a realm of feelings he struggled to articulate.

Joshua Grayson… was undeniably his son. His own flesh and blood. The boy who had lingered in his thoughts, the child he felt an inexplicable urge to connect with, truly had a bond with him. This was no longer a mere hunch; it was a truth confirmed by a valid, undeniable test result.

“I’m not trying to diminish your happiness, Mr. Daven,” Arsen said gently. “Congratulations on obtaining the results you’ve longed for. I can see the joy in your eyes, but… there’s still a lot on your plate here. Including your divorce petition—it’s nearly finalized.”

Arsen had a point. Daven realized he needed to set aside this newfound joy, at least for the time being. Once everything in Mighatan was sorted, he could return to SunCity. There was the follow-up project with Mayor Harold, discussions with the TnC Group, and most importantly, the chance to finally see Josh.

“You’re right,” Daven conceded, letting out a long, resigned sigh. “I can’t fault you for reminding me of my responsibilities.”

A faint smile crept onto Arsen’s lips, a glimmer of camaraderie shared in their exchange.

“He’s… really my son, Arsen.” Daven’s voice was tinged with disbelief as he gazed at the paper once more, his heart racing. “My son.”

Arsen remained silent, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. Part of him felt genuine happiness that his master’s long-standing obsession had finally reached a resolution. Yet another part questioned whether Daven would now refrain from interfering in the boy’s life, especially with the Miller family safeguarding him—a family not to be underestimated. A sense of unease settled within Arsen, creeping into his thoughts.

Still, he couldn’t deny that a part of him shared in Daven’s joy. “I knew you’d be thrilled to hear the truth,” he said, his voice steady.

“Thrilled?” Daven shook his head, a soft laugh escaping his lips, laden with emotion. “I feel… as if I’ve been granted a second chance at life.”

“I just hope,” Arsen cautioned, choosing his words carefully, “that before you take any action based on this revelation, you consider everything thoroughly. I haven’t forgotten what you told me a few hours ago—you don’t want to disrupt Miss Althea’s life again, remember?”

Daven narrowed his eyes, irritation flaring. “Are you out of your mind? Do you really think I’d do something that reckless?”

Yet, even as the meeting dragged on, his thoughts continued to wander. The DNA test result he had received the previous day echoed incessantly in his mind. The revelation that Joshua was his biological son weighed heavily in his chest—relief, joy, and guilt tangled together in a confusing mass.

Yes.

An apology would never suffice. Not even stepping up to take responsibility could erase the shadows of the past. And if he revealed his intentions now, wouldn’t Josh only push him away further? That was a risk Daven couldn’t afford to take. So… what options remained? How could he make amends for the mistakes that had already cast a long shadow over their lives?

“Mr. Daven.” Arsen’s voice cut through his thoughts as the meeting finally drew to a close.

Daven didn’t need to turn around to acknowledge him. Moments later, Arsen continued, “The legal team is waiting for you. I’ve asked them to stand by in your office.”

Daven nodded once, his expression shifting as he strode down the corridor. The Callister Group headquarters hummed with the familiar rhythm of a bustling corporation. Staff members he passed greeted him with practiced politeness, bowing slightly, their voices laced with respect.

As he moved through the corridor connecting the administrative wing to finance, his steps slowed momentarily. Most of the staff remained blissfully unaware that their CEO was observing them from a distance.

“Mr. Daven?” Arsen frowned, puzzled. As far as he knew, none of the reports required Daven’s personal attention today.

“If it weren’t for them, I’d probably have sunk into a pit of despair by now,” Daven replied, resuming his pace, his voice low but resolute.