HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 299

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 299**

The soft strains of music danced through the dimly lit ballroom, intertwining seamlessly with the sounds of laughter and hushed conversations. The air was rich with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, mingling delightfully with the gentle scent of rose-scented candles, enveloping the evening in a cocoon of warmth and joy.

Chase and Althea’s wedding was not a grand affair, yet there was an undeniable charm in its simplicity that exuded a sense of effortless luxury. The tables were adorned with elegant settings, each dish served on exquisite porcelain plates engraved with intricate designs. Every nook and cranny of the room radiated a warmth that spoke of love and contentment—an atmosphere that no amount of money could ever replicate.

“I told you so,” Lydia chimed in from her wheelchair, taking a sip of her refreshing lemon juice. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “The simplest weddings always leave the most lasting impressions.”

Kalina, seated beside her, couldn’t resist a playful jab. “And they taste the most expensive too,” she quipped, her tone light and teasing.

A soft laugh escaped Lydia’s lips, but her gaze instinctively drifted across the room to where the Callisters mingled. A flicker of unease washed over her; their presence still unsettled her. Yet, as she observed them, she couldn’t help but notice the genuine happiness reflected in their eyes for Althea. They had been among the first to lend a hand with the wedding preparations, despite Althea’s initial hesitations. Perhaps, Lydia mused, they were beginning to grasp the weight of their past actions.

The only path to atonement for their previous mistakes lay in their kindness towards Althea—by wishing her well and standing firmly beside her happiness.

“You’re absolutely right,” Lydia replied lightly, her smile genuine as she acknowledged Kalina’s playful comment.

In the heart of the ballroom, Chase’s gaze was locked onto his bride, his voice a tender whisper filled with affection. “Are you happy, my love?”

Althea’s smile radiated warmth, her joy palpable. “More than happy,” she replied, her eyes sparkling like stars.

“Good,” he said, his tone shifting to one of playful anticipation. “Because I’ve just received a message from Mrs. Yoshida.” He presented her with an elegant cream-colored envelope, its sheen catching the soft light. “She couldn’t be here today, but she left us a little surprise.”

Curiosity flickered in Althea’s eyes as she opened the envelope slowly, her heart racing. When she saw the contents, her eyes widened in disbelief. “Plane tickets to Japan?” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and delight.

Chase nodded, a broad grin spreading across his face. “A ten-day honeymoon! She’s taken care of everything. All we have to do is enjoy ourselves.”

Althea’s gaze fell upon the handwritten note tucked in the corner of the envelope, her heart tightening at the familiar name. Yoshida – I’m sorry I couldn’t attend, but please allow me to host you during your stay in Japan.

She inhaled deeply, steadying herself as a wave of emotion threatened to overwhelm her. Chase noticed the flicker of vulnerability in her eyes and leaned closer, his voice softening. “You’re not going to turn her down, are you?”

“No,” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “She always knows how to make it impossible for me to say no.”

Chase’s smile deepened, his voice warm and reassuring. “Then we’ll accept it gladly. Anyone who treats us with kindness deserves our gratitude.”

Josh blinked, a mix of confusion and curiosity crossing his features. “About what, Mommy?”

Althea took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the gravity of her words. She looked to Chase once more, receiving a small, reassuring nod from him, as if to say it was indeed time. Turning back to Josh, her heart raced in her chest.

“Mr. Handsome…” Her voice quivered slightly. “He isn’t just Mommy’s friend.”

Josh frowned, confusion knitting his brow. “What do you mean, Mommy?”

Althea swallowed hard. The words felt heavy, but she pushed through, her voice barely a whisper. “He’s your biological father, sweetheart.”

Time seemed to freeze. Josh’s eyes widened, searching his mother’s face for confirmation, disbelief etched across his features. “My… real father?”

Althea nodded slowly, her heart pounding. “Yes. Daven Callister. Mr. Handsome who took care of you in Mighatan—he’s your real Daddy.”

An enveloping silence surrounded them, the faint music in the background fading into oblivion as the weight of her words settled in. Josh continued to stare at her, his expression inscrutable, until suddenly, a bright, disbelieving smile broke across his face.