HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 302

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 302**

A year had slipped by like sand through fingers, and now the afternoon sun bathed SunCity in a warm, golden glow. The light poured through the expansive windows of the Millers’ family room, creating a cozy atmosphere that felt both inviting and peaceful. Althea reclined on the plush sofa, her hand tenderly gliding over her burgeoning belly, a serene smile gracing her lips. With nearly seven months of pregnancy behind her, she had settled into a rhythm of home life that felt both comforting and transformative. Since the doctor had advised her to take it easy, her once bustling world had quieted down, becoming a softer place filled with gentle moments.

This pregnancy was unlike any she had experienced before. Althea could feel a distinct difference in her body; it felt more fragile, her energy waning more swiftly than she had anticipated. Yet, there was something deeper at play, as if this little life within her craved more than just sustenance. It needed her attention, her stillness, and above all, her love. And surprisingly, she welcomed this demand. Chase, her devoted husband, seemed to share in her sentiment, his gratitude palpable whenever he returned home to find her waiting, the warmth of their evenings spent together with Josh nestled between them, a picture of familial bliss.

“What are you reading?” Chase’s voice broke through her reverie, and she turned to see him approaching, a glass of warm milk in one hand and a plate of delectable snacks in the other, a familiar sight that always made her heart swell.

“This book,” she replied, lifting it slightly to show him the cover—a guide to pregnancy that had become her companion. “Where’s Josh?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“He’s still playing with Nyu,” Chase said, his face lighting up with a wide, infectious grin. “And how’s my sweet little baby doing, huh?” He set the tray down on the coffee table and knelt before her, his fingers gently tracing the curve of her stomach, a touch so tender it sent a shiver of warmth through her.

“Did the baby kick again?” he inquired, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Yes,” Althea replied softly, her voice filled with affection. “And pretty hard this time. I think someone knows it’s the weekend and that their daddy is home all day.”

Chase chuckled, his gaze lingering on her belly, awe filling his eyes. The very thought of a new life developing inside her made his hands tremble slightly whenever he made contact. “Well, I’m glad to know our little one is already eager to play with me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Althea laughed quietly, the sound light and melodic. “But sometimes, those kicks hurt! I think Josh is going to have a sibling with just as much energy as he does. Maybe even more!”

Chase erupted into laughter, the sound rich and full. “When’s your next check-up? The doctor said it’s every two weeks now, right?”

“You’re right. It’s on Wednesday. But if you’re too busy, I can always take Mom with me. She gets quite upset if I don’t include her,” Althea replied, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Is that so?” Chase tilted his head, contemplating for a moment. “Alright, go with Mom then. I’ll meet you at the hospital afterward. I have a meeting with the teachers’ board that I simply can’t skip—new semester planning, curriculum discussions… you know, all the fun stuff that makes my head spin.”

Althea nodded, understanding the weight of his responsibilities. She never voiced her concerns about Chase’s busy schedule managing the SunRise Foundation. Instead, she found solace in the small gestures he made, the quiet affection he offered, and the way his presence banished any feelings of loneliness the moment he walked through the door.

“I heard there’s a new teacher who—”

But before she could finish her thought, a sharp voice sliced through the air from the backyard.

“Cale! Don’t think I can’t hear you complaining again!”

Chase sighed, turning toward the sound. “Looks like they’re at it again,” he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Althea stifled a laugh, shaking her head. “I told you—never leave them in the same room for more than ten minutes.”

“Too late for that now,” Chase muttered, standing up and heading toward the glass door that led to the garden, his posture both resigned and amused.

“Can you two stop arguing for five minutes?” Althea rubbed her temples, feeling the familiar wave of exasperation wash over her. Watching her best friend and brother-in-law bicker was starting to feel like babysitting two stubborn teenagers.

“Chase, I need to talk to you,” Cale interjected suddenly, his tone shifting to something more serious.

“If you’re asking me to save you from Daddy, I can’t help you,” Chase replied dryly, a hint of amusement still lingering in his voice. “I’m guessing he’s here to make you leave Singapore.”

Cale groaned, frustration evident in his expression. “I still have things to take care of there. Come on—you can still help Chris handle TnC, right?”

Chase’s eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in. “Why are you so desperate to keep the Singapore branch? You could delegate it to someone capable and manage it from headquarters. Unless—”

“I think our dear Mr. Cale has a lover in Singapore,” Lydia interjected sweetly, completely unfazed by the tension. “That’s why he’s so reluctant to leave.”

Cale blinked, then flashed her a wicked grin. “You’re right, Miss Lydia. Since when have you been following my personal life? Have you been investigating me? Wow… I didn’t know I had such a devoted fan.”

Lydia’s jaw dropped in disbelief. As far as she knew, Cale Miller was the last man on earth who would engage in such playful banter—usually cold, stoic, and unreadable, he was the type who preferred to brood alone with a glass of wine or a cigar. When had he transformed into this annoyingly talkative version of himself?

“Oh, come on,” Althea sighed, completely exasperated by the two. “If you can’t stop fighting, how about you just go on a date instead? You’re practically perfect for each other.”

“NEVER!” they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the garden, a perfect harmony of denial that made Althea burst into laughter.