HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 298

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 298**

“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he actually showed up at your wedding. You weren’t under the influence when you invited them, were you?” Lydia’s voice dripped with skepticism, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern. The events that had unfolded were still too surreal for her to fully process.

Daven and his family? Kate Callister and her two daughters? Good gracious. What had Althea been thinking?

Even after Lydia had pieced together the chaotic narrative of the past few days—the harrowing events in Mighatan, the tragic accident involving Josh, and the surprising decision to allow Chase to extend an invitation to the Callisters—she found herself grappling with a sense of incredulity. How could Althea so easily forgive those who had caused them so much pain?

Althea simply exhaled, the weight of Lydia’s incredulity already anticipated. “I just don’t want to carry the burden of the past anymore, Lydia,” she replied, her voice a gentle whisper.

“Excuse me, could you tilt your chin up a bit?” the makeup artist interjected kindly, her tone soothing.

“Oh—my apologies,” Althea replied, offering a shy smile, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

“We’re almost finished with your look,” the artist said, making a final touch to Althea’s hair, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. “You look absolutely breathtaking, Mrs. Grayson.”

“You’re laying it on thick, Miss Selena,” Althea chuckled, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

“No, I genuinely mean it. Right, Miss Lydia?”

“She’s right,” Lydia affirmed, gradually maneuvering her wheelchair toward the mirror. “To me, you’re the most beautiful bride of the year.”

Althea rolled her eyes in playful annoyance. “I can’t wait to see you in a tiara, clutching a bouquet, anxiously waiting for your turn to walk down the aisle.”

Lydia snorted, a smirk on her face. “I have no plans of getting married.”

“Not yet.”

“Not ever.”

“You just haven’t encountered the man who can knock down those ridiculous principles of yours, Lydia.”

“I sincerely hope I never do,” Lydia retorted lightly, her eyes dancing with mischief.

“Oh, is it time for a friendly debate between best friends?”

The familiar voice made both women turn their heads. Standing in the doorway was a graceful woman with warm, inviting eyes and an elegant smile. Her gaze immediately found Althea. “Oh, my! My daughter-in-law looks absolutely radiant.”

“You’re exaggerating, Mom,” Althea protested quickly, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade.

“Exaggerating? When have I ever exaggerated?” Riana teased, stepping closer to scrutinize her daughter from head to toe. “I’m merely stating the truth. Chase is a very fortunate man to marry someone as beautiful and kind as you.”

Lydia let out a small huff, trying to lighten the atmosphere. “If you keep showering her with compliments like that, she might forget she has to walk down the aisle.”

Riana chuckled softly before turning her attention to Lydia. “You must be Lydia. Chase has told me so much about you.”

“Oh, I hope he didn’t paint me as too fierce,” Lydia replied, feeling a bit awkward under Riana’s gaze.

“Quite the opposite,” Riana reassured her gently. “He mentioned that without a friend like you, Althea wouldn’t have made it this far. And Josh—he talks about you constantly. I only wish we had met sooner.”

“You’re right,” Lydia said, her smile genuine now. “But I’m delighted we finally did, especially on such a joyous occasion.”

Riana’s smile widened, radiating warmth and sincerity.

The makeup artist stood back, placing her brushes down with a satisfied sigh. “All done, Mrs. Grayson. You look absolutely breathtaking.”

Althea turned toward the mirror, her heart racing. The gown that enveloped her wasn’t merely a dress; it felt like a tapestry woven from both pain and hope. The off-shoulder design highlighted her graceful shoulders, while delicate lace traced her silhouette without being overbearing. The ivory satin cascaded to the floor, catching the light and reflecting soft golden hues with every subtle movement.

In the reflection, Althea saw not just a bride—but a woman who had finally begun to heal.

“So beautiful,” Lydia whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “I think I just forgot how to breathe.”

Althea laughed softly, a melodic sound that filled the room. “You’re the one who told me not to cry, yet your voice sounds all choked up.”

He stood at the altar, tall and unwavering, his eyes glistening with emotion. His black suit was immaculate, his silver tie catching the light, yet nothing shone brighter than the smile he wore—a smile filled with gratitude and love.

When Althea reached him, Chase extended his hand. “You’ve made everyone here forget how to breathe, sweetheart.”

She smiled back at him, her heart swelling. “Everyone? Including you?”

“Especially me.”

Laughter rippled through the guests, a joyous sound that filled the air. Riana covered her mouth, trying to hide her emotional smile, her eyes sparkling with pride.

The ceremony unfolded in a reverent hush. The pastor’s voice was calm, rich with warmth. “Love is patience and forgiveness. True love does not demand—it embraces.”

The words settled in Althea’s heart like a sacred prayer. She looked deep into Chase’s eyes, and in them, she glimpsed her future.

When the pastor finally declared, “You may kiss the bride,” Chase took a deep breath, gazing at Althea as if time itself had paused. He cupped her cheek gently, leaning in to kiss her—soft, warm, and filled with promise.

“May I?” he murmured afterward, his voice a low whisper.

Althea rolled her eyes in playful exasperation. “Are you seriously asking that now?”

“Just seeking permission from my gorgeous wife.”

“Ugh!” She clicked her tongue playfully, her heart racing. “Just do it. It’s not like you usually wait for my permission anyway.”

“Mom, Dad!”

The sudden voice made them both turn. Josh stood by the wedding cake near the altar, arms crossed and a frown forming on his little face.

“How long do I have to wait over here? Are you done yet?” He pointed at the cake, impatience radiating from him. “Because I really, really want to taste this already!”