HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 237

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

**Chapter 237**

“You bet I am,” Chase declared with enthusiasm, bending down to clasp Josh’s hand in his own. With a gentle tug, he led them both toward a secluded dining room, the anticipation bubbling in the air. “I have no doubt everything has been exquisitely arranged for us.”

It wasn’t long before they found themselves in a serene room perched atop the building, where the panoramic views of Mighatan’s shimmering skyline unfolded like a masterpiece. The table was a feast for the eyes, lavishly adorned with an array of dishes—succulent steak, creamy pasta, vibrant salads, and even a special children’s menu featuring star-shaped chicken nuggets that seemed to twinkle with promise.

Josh wasted no time, scrambling into his chair with an exuberant cheer that echoed off the walls. “Wow! There’s so much food! Mommy, can I eat everything?” His eyes sparkled with delight, a mix of innocence and excitement.

“No, you may not,” Althea replied, her tone firm yet affectionate, casting him a half-stern glance that only slightly masked her amusement. “Choose one thing, sweetheart. We don’t want you to burst!”

“But… it all looks so good…” Josh protested, his lips forming a cute pout, the corners trembling with disappointment.

Bending closer, Chase lowered his voice conspiratorially, as if sharing a secret. “How about this—we try everything together, and Mommy must join us too!” His eyes twinkled playfully.

Instantly, Josh’s frown melted away, replaced by a radiant grin. “Deal!” he exclaimed, his excitement infectious.

Althea chuckled softly, the sound bubbling up from her chest. The meal became a joyous symphony of laughter and chatter, with Chase constantly entertaining Josh, his playful antics drawing genuine laughter from the boy. Althea, meanwhile, reclined in her chair, enveloped in a sense of tranquility she had not experienced in what felt like an eternity.

Once they had indulged in the feast, Chase leaned back, a satisfied smile gracing his lips. “Althea, what do you think about taking a short trip after this? Nothing too far. We could explore around Mighatan—perhaps a beach or an amusement park… whatever Josh would enjoy.”

Josh’s eyes lit up, and he bounced eagerly in his chair, his enthusiasm palpable. “The beach! I want to play in the sand! Mommy, can we go? Your work is finished now, right?” His voice was filled with hope, his excitement radiating like sunshine.

Althea hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting between her son’s eager face and Chase’s steady, serious expression. He watched her intently, his warm smile a reassuring presence that made her heart flutter with a mix of emotions.

“All right, fine,” Althea finally relented, a smile breaking through her initial reservations. “Let’s go to the beach.”

Josh erupted into cheers, his joy echoing through the room as he bounced with uncontainable excitement. Chase’s smile widened, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features, as if Althea’s victory in court was merely one of many wins he was celebrating today.

Leaning in closer, Chase lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, just for Althea’s ears. “What if we found a beach that’s a bit more private? I’d love to see you in a bikini.” His tone was teasing, yet there was a hint of sincerity that made her heart race.

Yet, as she took a deep breath, something felt distinctly different.

The moment she closed the door, a warm, inviting aroma of food enveloped her like a comforting embrace. She paused, stunned into silence. The morning chaos she had left behind—a whirlwind of clothes strewn across the sofa, trash scattered haphazardly, bottles and snack wrappers littering every available surface—had vanished. Now, the apartment was immaculate. Every item was meticulously placed, the clutter replaced by a sense of order.

Her heart raced, and a tightness gripped her chest. Someone had been here.

“What… what happened?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, a mix of shock and confusion coursing through her veins.

The sofa, once buried beneath a mountain of clothes, was now perfectly arranged. The counters were cleared, and the air was fresh, devoid of the stale remnants of her earlier chaos. Someone had cleaned this place.

But who? The staff from her father’s house wasn’t scheduled to arrive until next week.

“Hello?” she called out, her voice trembling as she tried to steady her breathing. Panic edged her words. Could someone have broken in? No, that seemed impossible. This building boasted strict security measures and layers of protection. Yet, she moved cautiously, her steps tentative as she followed the enticing scent into the kitchen.

And there, standing at the stove, was someone whose broad shoulders and familiar posture made her heart skip a beat.