HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 330

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 330**

“They fell asleep early tonight,” Althea whispered gently, her voice barely above a murmur as she eased the door to the children’s room shut, careful not to disturb the serene atmosphere within.

In the living room, Daven lounged on the sofa, his posture relaxed yet attentive. He nodded thoughtfully, a small smile breaking across his face. “Josh mentioned he wants to bring a drawing of flowers for Daddy Chase tomorrow. I helped him color it in,” he shared, his eyes sparkling with the joy of the moment.

Althea couldn’t help but smile, a faint glow of warmth spreading through her. “So, you’ve become a coloring expert now, have you?” she teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

“When my competition is a five-year-old, I think I still stand a fighting chance,” he chuckled, his laughter filling the room with a lightness that felt almost tangible.

“But Grace is better,” Althea countered, her tone playful, “She loves to use every color she can find on one page, creating a riot of hues.”

“That’s what they call creativity,” Daven replied with an easy confidence. “You used to be just like that, remember? The first time you cooked—you threw in every spice you could find, and it was quite the adventure.”

Althea let out a laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. “You still remember that culinary disaster?”

“Of course! How could I ever forget? I ended up eating roast chicken that somehow tasted like a bizarre mix of soy sauce, chili, and honey all at once. But you know what? I finished it anyway,” he said, his voice laced with fondness.

“Only because you were terrified I’d get mad,” Althea accused, pretending to pout, her eyes narrowing playfully.

“No,” Daven replied, his voice softening as he gazed at her, sincerity etched in his features. “It was because even then, I realized I wanted to keep eating your cooking every single day—no matter how terrible it was.”

As laughter faded, a quiet stillness enveloped them, thickening the air with unspoken words. “Daven…” Althea began, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” he interjected gently, sensing the weight of her thoughts. “I know I’m not the easiest person for you to trust again.”

Althea lowered her gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “It’s not just about trust… Sometimes I find myself scared. Scared that this happiness we’ve found won’t last.”

“Not this time,” Daven insisted, standing up and moving closer to her, the determination in his eyes unwavering. “I lost you once because I was too consumed with proving myself to the world. Now, all I want to prove is that I can be the home you long to return to.”

She lifted her eyes to meet his, searching his face for reassurance. “You speak as if it’s an easy thing to do.”

“It’s not,” he admitted quietly, the gravity of his words hanging between them. “But I want to try—one day at a time. Just like we do for the kids.”

Silence settled once more, punctuated only by the soft ticking of the clock, each tick echoing the passage of time and the weight of their shared history.

“Daven,” she said after a moment, her voice laced with uncertainty, “I don’t know if I still have room for love the way I once did.”

“Then let me wait outside that room,” Daven replied, his voice steady yet gentle. “I won’t force my way in. I just want to stay close… until you’re ready to open it again.”

Althea inhaled deeply, contemplating his words. “You know… Chase once said something similar.”

Daven lowered his head slightly, his tone wrapping around her like a warm embrace. “I know. And I’m not trying to replace him, Thea. I just want to love you differently—without demands, without regrets.”

A soft smile graced her lips, a flicker of hope igniting within her. “You sound like someone who’s learned a lot.”

Althea turned her head away, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks, trying to shield her emotions. “You know, the way you speak… it’s dangerous.”

“Only dangerous,” he murmured, “if you still choose to believe me.”

He looked at her with a warmth that had been absent during their years as husband and wife. Now, there was no ego, no need to win an argument—just two souls quietly learning to make peace with the shadows of their past.

“Daven,” Althea finally said, her voice barely above a whisper, “if I give this a second chance… will you guard it more carefully this time?”

“More than ready,” he responded without a beat of hesitation, his resolve unwavering. “Because this time, I truly understand what’s worth holding on to.”

Althea met his gaze, her eyes steady and searching for sincerity. “All right,” she said at last, a sense of determination in her voice. “Then let’s start over. Slowly.”

Daven nodded, a soft smile curving his lips, his heart swelling with hope. “I don’t want fast. I just want forever.”

Once again, silence enveloped them, but it was no longer awkward. It was warm, wrapping around them like a quiet promise of new beginnings.

Daven took one last look at her, his heart full, before whispering, “Good night, Thea.”

“Good night, Daven,” she replied, her voice soft yet firm.

As he walked toward the door, he glanced back one last time. Althea remained on the sofa, her smile faint but genuine, lighting up the dim room. For the first time in years, Daven felt a profound sense of peace wash over him, as if the shadows of the past were finally beginning to fade.