HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 325

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 325**

“Papa, come here! I wanna show you something!” Josh shouted excitedly as he burst into the kitchen, his tousled hair resembling a wild nest of straw.

Daven, who had just placed his coffee mug down on the counter, couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Whoa there, buddy! Slow down a bit. You haven’t even had your breakfast yet.”

“But this is super important! You have to see it!” Josh exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he held up his sketchbook like a trophy. “Look! It’s all of us—me, Mommy, Grace, and you!”

Althea, who was busy flipping pancakes on the griddle, paused mid-motion, her heart warming at the sight. She turned to Josh, a soft smile spreading across her face. “Oh? Can Mommy see it too?”

“Sure! But I want Papa to see it first!” With that, Josh dashed over to Daven, practically thrusting the drawing into his hands. “Look! You’re holding an umbrella, and Grace and I are underneath it. And Mommy’s over here cooking!”

Daven studied the drawing intently, his expression shifting from curiosity to admiration. “Wow, you drew me like a hero,” he said, his voice filled with surprise.

Josh nodded vigorously, his small face beaming with pride. “Because you always protect us!”

Across the kitchen, Althea observed the tender moment, her heart swelling as she watched Daven wrap an arm around Josh’s shoulders, giving him a gentle pat. The sound of Josh’s laughter echoed through the room, filling it with warmth. A feeling of contentment blossomed within her chest, steady and reassuring.

“A hero who always forgets breakfast,” she teased lightly, setting down plates on the table, the delicious aroma of pancakes wafting through the air. “Come on, sit down. The pancakes are still warm and waiting for you.”

Daven slid into a chair beside Josh, his expression softening. “Is Grace still asleep?” he asked, glancing toward the stairs.

“She is,” Althea replied as she drizzled honey over the pancakes, watching the golden liquid pool enticingly. “She finally settled down after fussing all night long.”

“Then I’ll carry her later so you can rest,” Daven offered, his tone firm yet caring.

“That’s really not necessary, Daven,” she replied, a hint of protest in her voice.

“Too late for that,” he said smoothly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I already made plans.”

Althea shot him a playful glare, her lips curling into a smile despite herself. “You and your plans, huh?”

“Only for two things,” he replied without missing a beat, his voice light. “Work… and you guys.”

Josh, with his mouth full of pancake, suddenly chimed in, “Papa likes Mommy too, right?”

Althea’s heart skipped a beat, and she nearly choked on her own bite. “Josh!” she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing.

Daven stifled a laugh, gently patting his son’s back. “Of course I like your mommy. Who wouldn’t?”

Althea felt her cheeks heat up even more. “Daven…”

“What?” he replied casually, though his gaze lingered on her, filled with warmth and unspoken affection.

Josh giggled, his laughter pure and innocent. “Papa’s romantic.”

“I’m realistic,” Daven corrected with a small, teasing smile. “If I didn’t like your mommy, I couldn’t love you both this much.”

A comfortable silence enveloped them, broken only by the soft clinking of spoons against plates and the sound of Josh’s delighted laughter as he playfully fed Daven a piece of pancake.

“Papa has to eat too!” Josh said earnestly, his eyes wide with sincerity. “So you’ll have energy for work!”

Before heading out, she paused by the family photo hanging on the wall. It was an old snapshot—taken when Chase was still alive. A soft, bittersweet smile graced her lips as she traced the outline of his face with her finger.

“Chase…” she whispered softly, her voice barely above a breath. “I hope you’re at peace now. Because I… I’ve finally learned how to smile again.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Miller.” The receptionist at Holdem Group’s branch office greeted her with a polite smile. “Would you like to see Mr. Callister or Mr. Miller?”

“Both,” Althea replied, her smile easy and genuine. “But please, don’t tell Daven I’m here yet. I want to surprise him.”

“Of course, Mrs. Miller.”

As she walked down the long glass corridor, the faint hum of conversation and laughter drifted from nearby offices, creating a comforting backdrop. When she reached the conference room, she paused, her breath catching in her throat.

Through the glass wall, she spotted Daven standing at the front of the room, dressed in a crisp white shirt and a tailored black blazer, his sleeves slightly rolled up. He looked older now, yes, but also steadier and calmer, a man transformed.

Althea watched him for a long moment, a strange ache stirring in her chest—a mixture of pride and fear that was hard to articulate.

“Althea.”

The deep voice behind her broke her reverie, and she turned to see Daniel Miller standing there, his expression warm as he pulled her into a brief, reassuring hug.

“Thank you for coming,” he said, his tone shifting slightly. “There’s something I need to discuss with you… concerning Daven.”

Althea frowned, her heart racing. “About Daven?”

Daniel nodded, his tone gentle yet serious. “Yes. And about a decision Chase made… one I never told you about.”