HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 322

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

**Chapter 322**

As the sun began its slow descent in the late afternoon sky, it painted the backyard with a warm, golden hue, creating a serene atmosphere. Althea found herself nestled on the small swing, gently cradling Grace in her arms, the rhythmic sway of the swing matching the peacefulness of the moment. Nearby, Josh dashed around the yard, his joyous laughter ringing out like music, filling the air with an infectious sense of happiness. On the opposite side, Lydia sat comfortably in a garden chair, her cane resting against the bench beside her. Though her expression was tranquil, her keen eyes were ever watchful, taking in the scene with a quiet intensity.

“Josh seems to keep shooting up like a weed,” Lydia remarked, a hint of nostalgia softening her features. “I still have vivid memories of when he was too scared to even sit on that swing.”

A tender smile graced Althea’s lips as she glanced at her son, now a whirlwind of energy. “It’s hard to believe he was ever afraid. Now, getting him to stop swinging is a challenge in itself.”

“He’s a robust boy,” Lydia replied, her voice carrying a gentle warmth. “Just like his mother.”

Althea met her friend’s gaze, her heart swelling with affection. She tightened her embrace around Grace, who was beginning to drift off into the realm of dreams. “I’m not as strong as you think, Lyd. There are moments, especially at night, when I feel so fragile. When the house is enveloped in silence, I can’t help but wonder if Chase should still be here with us.”

Lydia exhaled slowly, her expression shifting to one of understanding. “That’s completely normal, Thea. You’ve endured a loss that reshaped your world. But do you know what I see now? Something I believe Chase would have wanted to witness as well—you’re starting to smile again.”

Althea lowered her eyes, her fingers gently stroking Grace’s small back as the baby nestled closer, her breathing soft and steady. “You know, in the beginning, I doubted my ability to navigate all of this. But Daven… he’s always there, almost like he has a sixth sense about when I need him most.”

Lydia observed her in silence for a moment before finally confessing, “To be honest, I wasn’t fond of how close you grew to Daven at first.”

Althea turned her head, taken aback by Lydia’s admission. “You weren’t?”

“I thought he was merely trying to atone for past mistakes. I feared he might hurt you all over again,” Lydia replied candidly. “But now, witnessing the way he cares for you and the children, I must admit—I was mistaken. Daven isn’t the man he once was.”

A soft laugh escaped Althea, almost a sigh of relief. “He really has transformed in so many ways. But there are moments when I feel a twinge of fear, Lyd. Fear that I might be misinterpreting everything.”

“Fear of falling in love yet again?” Lydia’s gaze softened, her understanding evident.

Althea hesitated, the weight of her emotions palpable. “Perhaps. I’m not sure if there’s still space in my heart for that kind of love.”

In that moment, Josh’s laughter echoed across the yard, shattering the quietude. He sprinted toward them, his face alight with excitement, a beacon of youthful joy.

“Mom! Dad says we’re having dinner out tonight!” he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Althea exchanged a glance with Lydia, a small smile dancing on her lips. “I haven’t even called him yet, and he’s already making plans.”

“That’s Daven for you,” Lydia chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “Always one step ahead—especially when it comes to you and the kids.”

Slowly, Althea rose to her feet, adjusting Grace—now peacefully asleep—against her shoulder. “Maybe you’re right, Lyd. Perhaps it’s time I start listening to what my heart has to say.”

With the support of her cane, Lydia allowed Althea to assist her in standing. “Then do just that, Thea. Because sometimes, the heart comprehends the truth long before the mind can catch up.”

As the evening deepened, the sky transformed into rich shades of violet, settling into the embrace of night. In the soft glow of twilight, Althea watched as Josh laughed with Daven on the porch—and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she no longer felt the weight of solitude pressing down on her.