HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 289

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 289**

“Josh, take it easy, sweetheart,” Althea said softly, her voice a soothing balm as she raised a slice of juicy melon to his eager lips. The boy chewed with delight, a grin stretching across his face, as if the sweet, refreshing taste could temporarily wash away the pain that made his movements so rigid and guarded.

Nearby, Kate beamed at the sight. “He reminds me so much of myself at that age, Althea. When I found something I loved, I just couldn’t stop eating it,” she reminisced, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

Riana Miller chuckled softly, her heart swelling with relief. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see his appetite returning, Mrs. Callister. Just last week, he looked so pale and withdrawn, but now he seems so much more alive. It’s all thanks to you. The meals you’ve prepared are truly his favorites. I genuinely appreciate your efforts,” she said, her sincerity evident.

“Oh, there’s no need to thank me, Mrs. Miller,” Kate replied, her smile warm yet modest. “I’m just thrilled that Josh enjoys what I whip up for him. It’s the least I can do, especially given my own limitations.”

Riana’s smile widened, radiating warmth. “Oh, don’t be so humble! Everyone who cares for Josh feels the same way, but the truth is, we’re all doing our utmost for him. Isn’t that right?” she affirmed, glancing at Althea for support.

Kate nodded in agreement, her heart swelling with gratitude for the bond they were forming. “Yes, and speaking of doing our best, Josh has his therapy session in an hour. Please, if you can, stay a little longer—join us for dinner, Mrs. Callister. I’ve already asked the staff to prepare something special,” she invited, her voice hopeful.

“Would that… be a bother to you, Mrs. Miller?” Kate hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. After all, the Miller family was only here temporarily. Yet, in an unspoken way, they had embraced Althea as part of their family, showering her with affection and care that felt like a warm embrace, far removed from the chilly distance she had once experienced as their former daughter-in-law.

She didn’t need to articulate it; she could feel the depth of Riana’s care for her now. It was a stark contrast to how things had been before.

“I agree with Mommy,” Riana chimed in, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “I really hope you’ll join us for dinner, Mrs. Kate. I think it would make Josh so happy. Right, Josh?”

Josh’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Dinner together? Oh, yes! I want that! Can I help choose the menu? Maybe we could have honey-roasted chicken… or shrimp and crab? Hmm… Mommy, what do you think would be better for eating outside in the backyard?” he asked, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

“You mean… a barbecue?” Althea replied, her eyes widening in realization.

A radiant grin spread across Josh’s face as he nodded vigorously.

Riana raised a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. “I thought… all those accusations were just rumors. But it turns out…” she trailed off, the weight of her words heavy in the air.

Althea fell silent, her heart racing as bitterness coursed through her. “I never would’ve guessed,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “To think someone like him was once trusted to lead a city.”

In the midst of their stunned silence, they hadn’t noticed Chase entering the room, a paper bag filled with Josh’s favorite snacks in his hands. His eyes flickered briefly to the television before he placed the bag on the table. His expression was calm, yet sharp, as if he were weighing the situation carefully.

“Don’t be surprised,” he said flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. “Men like Harold deserve this. He’s harmed too many people. What happened today is nothing more than the consequence of every corrupt step he took.”

Just then, Daniel Miller walked in behind him, nodding with a knowing smile. “You’re absolutely right,” he affirmed, glancing at Chase. “He deserves to face the weight of his crimes. At last, SunCity can breathe freely again.”

Kate turned her attention to Daniel and Chase, her brow furrowed with concern. “But… what exactly happened in SunCity?” she pressed, her voice trembling slightly as she sought clarity amidst the chaos.