HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 256

“I hope we can meet again.” Daven crouched to Josh’s height, his blue eyes filled with the kind of reluctance only a father could carry. Who would ever want to part with their own child?

“Me too.” Josh’s grin stretched wide. “Thank you for showing me your cool office, Mr. Handsome.”

“Of course. Anytime you want to come by, my door will always be open.”

Josh giggled, and the sound lit up the heavy air. Then his gaze caught sight of his mother approaching, and he waved wildly. “Mommy!”

Daven straightened up, standing close beside Josh, while Chase lingered just a step away, watchful and protective. Not far behind Althea, Kate followed, her eyes shadowed. Daven could tell—whatever passed between Althea and Kate hadn’t been an easy conversation.

He had seen Althea’s face before Josh called out to her—tight with anger, barely contained. But the moment she heard her son’s voice, the storm broke apart, replaced with a smile as radiant as sunlight. She opened her arms and welcomed Josh with warmth.

“Did you wait long for me?” Althea asked, her gaze soft, drinking him in.

“Nope! Mr. Handsome and Daddy Chase kept me company, so I wasn’t bored at all.”

“Good.” Althea’s eyes flicked to Chase, silent but urgent, and Chase understood. She wanted to leave—now.

“In that case, we’ll take our leave, Mr. Callister,” Chase said smoothly, offering his hand.

“All right.” Daven clasped it, forcing a thin smile. Reluctance pressed hard against his chest, but he swallowed it down. “I hope we can meet again soon.”

“I hope so too.” Chase chuckled lightly, then turned to Josh. “Come on, Josh. Say goodbye to Mr. Handsome … and to Mrs. Callister.”

Josh’s lips trembled with a pout. He turned to Daven, his small arms reaching out to hug him tight. “I wish we could play more, Mr. Handsome. But you’re busy … and I have to go home.”

It took everything in Daven not to break down right there. All he could do was return the embrace, holding his son close. “We’ll have more time, Josh. I promise. Until then, take good care of yourself.”

“Of course.” Josh released him, though his eyes lingered. Then he bounded toward Kate and wrapped his arms around her. “Bye, Grandma. Thank you for spending time with me.”

Kate’s throat closed as tears welled. “I hope I’ll see you again soon, sweetheart.”

“You will,” Josh chirped. “Mr. Handsome promised he’d visit me once his work was done. I hope you can come along too, Grandma.”

Kate crushed him to her chest, her tears slipping free. Josh only laughed, delighted by the outpouring of affection.

“Josh,” Althea called, her tone gentle but firm. Enough was enough.

“Yes, Mom.” Josh sighed, then gave one last wave. “Well then, see you again. Bye-bye, Mr. Handsome. Bye-bye, Grandma.”

“I don’t need a single word from you, Mrs. Callister. Who gets to see Josh—that’s my right alone.”

“You—”

“Darling.” Chase’s voice cut through smoothly, his smile broad and unshaken. “Let’s go home.” He already had the car door open, waiting for her. Without giving Daven or Kate another chance to speak, Althea dipped her head briefly, then slid into the car.

Daven stood frozen, watching as the vehicle pulled away, leaving only a bitter weight in his chest. Althea was angry—furious even. But what had his mother said to her to make her shut him out so firmly, with such finality?

Kate stepped closer, fuming. “That woman is insufferable! And I can’t believe Josh’s future stepfather is someone so influential—that must be why she dares to treat you like—”

“Even if Althea weren’t with Chase, she’d still treat me this way, Mom,” Daven said, his voice thick with frustration.

Kate’s lips parted in shock. “Daven—”

“It’s better we go home and talk about this there,” she pressed. “I refuse to let Althea treat me like this!”

“And what exactly do you plan to do?” Daven’s gaze sharpened, his words cutting. “Sue her? Drag this into court and stage another circus, the way Vanessa humiliated herself?”