HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 283

“I just hope Josh’s recovery goes smoothly. He’s past the critical stage now, isn’t he?”

Althea nodded at Kate’s words.

Relief softened Kate’s expression. Though her face was still pale, there was a newfound brightness in her eyes—maybe because they’d been talking about Josh this whole time. “I just want to see him cheerful again. For me, that’s more than enough.”

Felicia gently squeezed her mother’s hand. “Mommy, don’t worry. I’m sure Josh’s smile will come back soon. Let’s just keep praying he wakes up quickly, and that there are no complications after the surgery.”

“You’re right.”

Althea drew in a deep breath. She had been talking about Josh for their sake, yet deep down she still couldn’t quite trust what she saw—or the strange warmth she felt from these two women. Should she be grateful for it, or keep her guard up? “Felicia’s right. He’s always been such a spirited child.”

Kate’s eyes lit up. “Josh reminds me of Daven when he was little. Mischievous, endlessly curious, and never able to sit still.”

Felicia laughed softly. “And my own childhood memory—having an older brother who cared so much about his two little sisters. Even if… Daven was also a menace who made the house noisy all the time.”

Kate chuckled at her daughter’s remark. “You’re right, that’s exactly how he was. Tell me, Althea, is Josh mischievous too?”

Althea gave a faint smile. “No. He’s… more thoughtful, more attentive to the people around him. That’s why so many know and love him.”

Their conversation broke off when the door opened and a nurse walked in, her expression bright with good news. “Mrs. Grayson?”

Althea shot to her feet, her heart racing. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Your son has been transferred to the ICU. The surgery went well, but he still requires close monitoring. You may see him now.”

Althea clapped a trembling hand over her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. “Thank God. So… I can finally be with him?”

Felicia also stood, her face glowing with relief. “And us… may we come too?”

The nurse shook her head gently. “For now, only his mother is allowed. The patient’s condition is still delicate.”

The moment the door swung open, the sharp scent of antiseptic rushed in, filling her lungs. The room, awash in sterile white, was hushed—broken only by the steady beeping of the monitor.

Althea froze at the threshold. “Josh…” she whispered.

Her little boy lay motionless on the bed, his face pale, a thin tube pressed beneath his nose. His tiny body was swathed in bandages, an IV needle piercing his fragile arm. Althea forced herself forward, each step carving into her chest like needles.

She couldn’t erase the image from that very morning—Josh running toward her, laughing, his smile radiant. Now that brightness was gone, replaced by the still, fragile figure before her.

“My love.” Her voice cracked as she sank into the chair at his bedside, reaching for his small, chilled hand. “Mommy’s here. You’ve fought so bravely, sweetheart. Thank you.”

Tears slipped free, falling one by one onto the back of his hand. “Do you know, Josh? Everyone’s waiting for you. They can’t wait to see you again.”

Her trembling fingers brushed through his hair with aching tenderness. The monitor continued its steady rhythm, but to Althea, every beep echoed like a hammer striking her heart. Leaning down, she pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead.

“Please wake up soon, my darling. Mommy misses you so much.”