HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 304

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 304**

The afternoon sun cast a gentle glow across the Mighatan sky, its warm golden light pouring through the expansive windows of the family room like a soft embrace. Daven had managed to wrap up his work earlier than usual; he had a promise to fulfill with his son, Josh, and the anticipation of their time together filled him with a sense of joy.

Since Josh had chosen to spend his vacation at Daven’s home, he had been diligently reducing his meetings with important clients. Arsen, his ever-diligent assistant, had voiced his concerns and objections, but there was little he could do to sway Daven’s resolve. Moments like these—having Josh by his side—were a rarity, and Daven cherished them deeply. The Millers, Josh’s grandparents, were always accommodating, never minding when Josh lingered longer with Daven. Yet, Daven was acutely aware of the delicate balance he needed to maintain; he didn’t want to overstep his bounds.

Josh had a life back in SunCity, complete with friends and routines. Daven, as a father, understood the importance of not being selfish. There were weekends when he would hop on a plane just to spend precious hours with Josh at the arcade, sharing laughter and creating memories.

“I’m home!” Daven announced as he stepped into the living room of the Callister residence, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

Josh turned around, his face breaking into a wide grin that lit up the room. “Papa!” he exclaimed, his joy palpable.

In an instant, Josh charged toward him, an unstoppable force of energy, wrapping his small arms around Daven’s legs. Sometimes he would leap up, seeking to be hoisted into Daven’s arms like a little koala, and today was no exception.

“Whoa!” Daven grunted, a smile breaking across his face as he caught Josh effortlessly. “What are you up to, little buddy?”

“I thought you’d be home late! Grandma Kate said you had an important meeting. Did you finish it, Dad?” Josh’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“I did,” Daven replied with a nod, his heart swelling with affection for his son.

“How did it go?” Josh pressed, his eagerness evident.

“Are you starting to take an interest in business?” Daven teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Josh shook his head vigorously. “Not really. I just want to know what your job’s like. Daddy Chase always talks about his students—some are really good, but some make him dizzy because they’re naughty. I don’t want to be a naughty student. Thick books, hard lessons, and… a lot of other things.”

As Daven listened to his son chatter away, he walked toward the sofa where Josh usually spent his time. The floor was a vibrant chaos of papers, coloring tools, puzzles, and an encyclopedia, a testament to Josh’s boundless creativity.

“So… what do you think I do at work?” Daven asked, gently setting his son down.

“Hmm… Papa Daven works with a lot of numbers,” Josh speculated, his brow furrowing in concentration. “You talk in front of people using a projector. There are tall buildings in the background, and… you talk about money?”

Daven chuckled softly, ruffling Josh’s tousled hair affectionately. “You’re not too far off, kiddo. Yeah, most of what you said is pretty accurate.”

“Whoa! You’re amazing, Papa!” Josh clapped his hands together, pride radiating from him.

“No. You promised we’d go biking tomorrow. And Daddy Chase will pick me up, right?” Josh asked, his voice filled with hope.

Daven nodded, his resolve firm. “That’s right. So tonight, let’s make sure you don’t stay up too late. Should we bike around the neighborhood or try a new route?”

Before Josh could respond, a familiar voice interrupted their moment, causing both of them to turn.

“You’re home already?” Kate chimed, her tone light and welcoming.

“Yes, Mom,” Daven replied, a soft smile gracing his lips.

“Oh, I’ve been so busy getting dinner ready,” Kate chuckled, her warmth filling the room. “Would you like to help me, Josh?”

“What are you making tonight, Grandma Kate?” Josh quickly began to tidy up his coloring tools, stacking his books into a neat pile, his curiosity piqued.

“How about you come see for yourself?” Kate suggested with a playful glint in her eye.

Josh’s face lit up with excitement. “Okay!” he exclaimed, his earlier thoughts of missing his mother momentarily forgotten as he dashed toward the kitchen, eager to discover the culinary delights that awaited him.