HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 311

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 311**

The sound of Althea’s anguished sobs filled the room, a haunting melody of despair that echoed off the walls. It was as if the very air had thickened with sorrow since the dreadful phone call had shattered their lives. Lydia, steadfast and unwavering, had remained by Althea’s side, her presence a fragile anchor in the storm of emotions. Just then, a sharp knock reverberated through the house, cutting through the heavy silence. Lydia sprang into action, hurrying to the front door, her heart racing with anticipation.

When she opened it, a trio stood before her: Riana, Daniel, and Chris. Each wore a pallor that spoke volumes; their faces were ashen, stricken with the weight of the news that had crashed into their lives like an unexpected tempest.

“Althea!” Riana cried out, urgency fueling her steps as she rushed forward, enveloping Althea in her arms. “I heard the news—oh God, I don’t even know what to think… I don’t know what to believe!” Her voice trembled, a reflection of the chaos swirling in her heart.

Althea, lost in her grief, struggled to find her voice. All that escaped her was a broken sob, her body shaking violently in Riana’s embrace, as if the very act of holding onto her friend was the only thing keeping her tethered to reality.

Daniel sank heavily onto the couch beside her, his brow furrowed with worry. “We received word from TnC’s PR department regarding Chase,” he said, his voice strained. “The airline confirmed that his plane went off the radar over the Aegean Sea. Have there been any updates?”

Lydia shook her head vehemently, her heart sinking further. “Nothing yet. The search team is still out there, but since last night, they haven’t detected any new signals. No updates at all.”

“No… no, this can’t be real,” Riana whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of disbelief. “He promised he’d come home.”

Chris stood rigid by the window, his fists clenched, jaw set tight as he battled the tumult of anger and panic raging within him. “I’m going to the airport,” he declared, determination lacing his words. “I have contacts in the aviation authority—I’ll find out what’s really going on.”

“Chris—” Daniel called after him, urgency lacing his tone. “Keep us updated on every detail. And don’t let the media get too close. Tell Cale to hold off any press movement.”

Chris nodded sharply, already storming out the door, his phone pressed to his ear, ready to take action.

Lydia settled beside Althea, taking her trembling hand in her own, trying to convey comfort through her touch. “Althea, please try to stay calm. I’m sure they’re doing everything they can to locate the plane.”

“How can I stay calm, Lydia?” Althea’s voice shattered, her eyes red and swollen, the weight of despair pressing down on her chest. “The plane is missing! There’s no signal, no news—nothing! Do you know what it’s like to wait, not knowing if the person you love is still alive?”

Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but words failed her. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, yet she fought to keep them at bay.

Riana gently squeezed Althea’s shoulder, her voice soothing yet firm. “You’re not alone. We’re all here with you. Chase is strong, Althea. He’ll be okay.”

Daniel looked between the two women, his face pale, hands trembling as he struggled to maintain composure. “I just talked to him two days ago,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “He was so excited about the foundation’s new project.” Overcome with emotion, he buried his face in his palms. “God, this can’t be happening.”

The air in the house was suffocating, thick with grief and dread. They clung to one another, drawing what little strength they could from the shared silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Outside, the cacophony of reporters began to swell, their voices rising as they sought a statement from the Miller family. The house staff moved with urgency, blocking their access, fighting to protect the fragile peace that hung in the air.

“I’ve already asked Cale to handle the press,” Daniel said quietly, casting a glance toward Althea. “Don’t worry. We won’t let them invade your privacy.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Althea replied, her voice a mere whisper. “At least Josh hasn’t been too affected by all this. I don’t think he really understands what’s happening with Chase yet.”

Riana reached out, her tone calm yet insistent. “We’ll keep monitoring the situation from here. Let Chris and Cale handle everything at the airport. But you need to take care of yourself too. You’re pregnant, Althea.”

That word—pregnant—hung in the air like a fragile thread, powerful enough to momentarily still Althea’s racing thoughts. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, seeking strength from the small life growing within her. “He doesn’t know yet… that the baby can already hear his voice,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I didn’t even get to tell him we’d picked out a name…”

Riana’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart aching for her friend. “You can tell him later, Althea. You have to believe that.”

Yet Althea’s gaze remained fixed on the doorway, her expression hollow, as if she were still waiting for Chase to walk in, suitcase in hand, that familiar warm smile illuminating his face.

Moments later, Lydia’s phone rang, slicing through the heavy silence like a knife. All eyes turned toward her, anticipation hanging thick in the air. “Cale?” she asked quickly, recognizing the name flashing on the screen. She pressed the speaker button, allowing everyone to hear.

Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Mighatan, the news had already spread like wildfire, flashing across massive digital billboards and national broadcasts. The headline blared repeatedly: **SunCity Flight SC-927 Missing – Chase Miller Among Priority Passengers.**

In a dimly lit office miles away, Daven Callister sat frozen in place, his gaze glued to the television screen. His body felt rigid, every muscle tense, as he struggled to process the unfolding tragedy.

“Chase…?” he whispered, the name barely escaping his lips, his voice cracking under the weight of emotion.

Moments later, he was on his feet, grabbing his blazer and car keys with urgency. Without a second thought, Daven strode out of the house, determination propelling him forward.

Someone called his name behind him, but he didn’t stop. He couldn’t.

There was only one thing he knew for certain—he had to get to SunCity.

Because if the news was true… then Althea would be utterly shattered.

And he wasn’t going to let her face that pain alone.

“Sir!” Arsen’s voice chased after him as he hurried to catch up. “Please, let me drive. I understand the headlines have shaken you, but at least let me come with you.”

Daven clenched his jaw, irritation flaring within him—but Arsen was right. He wasn’t thinking straight, and it would be wise to have someone at his side.

“Have you found the fastest flight to SunCity?” he asked curtly, his mind racing.

“Yes, sir,” Arsen replied, a faint, reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “Come on then—let’s get you to SunCity.”