HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 164

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 164**

Chase lowered his head slightly, a subtle smile dancing on his lips, the kind that hinted at a deeper understanding. “You see, from the very first moment I laid eyes on you, it was as if I could read the story of your life in the lines of your face. You’ve never sought the spotlight; you’ve always kept your distance from those who wish to get too close. Even when Daven tried to meddle in your affairs, I could tell that wasn’t your doing. So if I, an outsider, can discern the truth so clearly, why should I ever fear the falsehoods others choose to spread?”

Althea’s gaze locked onto his, her eyes glistening like dew-kissed petals in the early morning light. “Chase…”

“What is it?” he asked, his tone gentle, as if coaxing her to share her thoughts.

“You have no idea how profoundly grateful I am to have you standing beside me in this moment,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with an intensity that made the air between them crackle.

With a tender touch, Chase brushed his thumb along the back of her hand, a steady and reassuring gesture. “That’s what a fiancé is meant to do, isn’t it?” he teased lightly, attempting to dissipate the weight of the moment that hung heavily around them.

A faint smile played on Althea’s lips, even as the moisture in her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil. “You always know how to leave me in this limbo between anger and laughter,” she replied, a mixture of frustration and amusement coloring her voice.

His laughter rang out, light and infectious. “Then let me keep you in this delightful confusion until the noise of the outside world fades into nothingness.”

An enveloping silence settled between them, the only sound being the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall, each tick a reminder of the time slipping away. Althea finally leaned back against the plush sofa, drawing in a deep breath that seemed to fill her lungs with the weight of her worries. “But honestly, Chase… three days feels like an eternity. What if Daven never comes? What if he’s just stringing us along with empty promises?”

Chase’s expression hardened, his resolve unwavering. “If he dares to break his word,” he declared with a fierce determination, “I will stand before you and cut off every possible path he might try to use to reach you again. I don’t care if he’s Daven Callister or the most powerful ruler in the world. As long as I’m here, no one will ever drag you down again.”

Althea found herself speechless, tears spilling over her cheeks—not from fear, but from the overwhelming comfort of knowing she was truly, unconditionally protected.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Hesitantly at first, her hand reached out, brushing gently through Chase’s hair, her touch warm and tender. “Thank you for being here, Chase.”

“Always… and forever,” he replied, his gaze steady, a promise etched into every syllable.

Their intimate moment was abruptly shattered by a sharp knock at the door, urgent enough to slice through the fragile atmosphere they had built. Someone was clearly in a rush to see Chase.

“Who is it?” Chase snapped, irritation seeping into his voice.

“It’s me, Mr. Chase,” came a familiar voice.

Jennifer Laurent, the vice principal he often relied on for matters of school administration.

“Come in,” Chase replied, standing up and straightening his blazer before settling beside Althea once more.

Althea’s anxiety surged, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. “I… I’m not ready. This is all happening too fast.”

Chase turned to her, his voice steady and filled with conviction. Chris was right—there was no way Althea could remain alone at her house. By now, someone might already be digging into her past, even her home address. Leaving her and Josh unprotected would be reckless.

“You just need to go with Chris, Althea. Head back to our house. Josh will be there soon. I promise—no one will lay a hand on you.”

Chris added with a reassuring smile, “And if anyone tries, Daddy will handle it himself. You don’t need to worry. This was Mommy’s request too—that you come stay with us. Let us protect you.”

Althea swallowed hard, the name Riana Miller echoing in her mind. How could she face Chase’s mother after the chaos that had erupted in the news? Embarrassment clawed at her, pressing into every corner of her being.

Yet, time was slipping away. Chris cracked the door open just a fraction, glancing back at Chase as if to convey a silent signal. “Althea and I will take the side exit. I’ve arranged for the driver to be waiting there.”

“I’ll deal with the reporters,” Chase confirmed, his voice unwavering. “And Jennifer, ensure they get off the school grounds safely.”

“Yes, Mr. Chase,” she replied, her tone professional and efficient.

They moved quickly, urgency propelling them forward. Jennifer checked the hallway to ensure it was clear before giving a signal. Althea’s steps felt unbearably heavy, her heart racing, but Chris walked beside her, his presence a steadfast shield that kept her grounded in the whirlwind of uncertainty.