HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 338

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 338**

Two years had slipped by, each day a delicate thread woven into the fabric of time.

“Mom, I’ve completed my assignment.”

The soft, almost timid voice of a fourteen-year-old girl broke the silence, her tone both gentle and respectful. Eli Ward’s gaze flickered momentarily toward her mother, who was engrossed in a mountain of reports, the papers spread out like a chaotic landscape on the table.

“Good,” her mother, Selena Ward, responded, a faint smile gracing her lips, though her eyes remained glued to the documents. “Have you had a chance to say goodbye to your friends?”

Eli nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions.

“Are you feeling sad about leaving this town?” Selena’s voice was warm as she turned her attention to her daughter, inviting her to sit beside her. She reached out, her fingers brushing through Eli’s hair with a tenderness that felt like a comforting embrace.

“Aren’t we… going to see Dad?” Eli’s voice was barely above a whisper, uncertainty lacing her words.

Selena’s smile broadened, illuminating her face. “You’re absolutely right. We are finally going to meet him. You must be tired of everyone asking where your father is, aren’t you?”

Eli hesitated, her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a gust of wind, before giving a small nod.

“So,” Selena continued, her voice encouraging, “when you meet him, what do you think you’ll say?”

Eli met her mother’s gaze, her heart racing as she pondered the weight of those words, the emotions tangled in her chest like a knotted string.

“You can’t find the words?” Selena asked gently, not to push but with an expression that silently urged Eli to share her thoughts.

“Don’t leave me again… Dad.”

A radiant smile blossomed on Selena’s lips, and she enveloped Eli in a warm embrace. “Such a wise girl. That is precisely what you should say when you see him.”

“What about Dad’s family? Do you think they will accept me?” Eli’s voice was laced with trepidation, her brow furrowed as she sought reassurance.

Selena paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful before a knowing smile crept back. “Even a child without any blood ties to your father is treated with kindness there. So, I have no doubt they will welcome you with open arms, sweetheart.”

Eli nodded, though her gaze drifted to the scattered documents on the table, her curiosity piqued by a single photograph that caught her eye. She picked it up delicately, as if afraid to disturb the moment captured within.

“Mom… who is this?” she inquired softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Selena turned her head, her interest piqued. “Which one, dear?”

Eli pointed to the picture. In it, a young woman with chestnut hair radiated joy, hugging two children—a little girl and an older boy—who sat on a park bench, bathed in the golden light of a late afternoon sun.

“This woman… she looks so happy. And the kids too,” Eli mused, her eyes searching the photograph for something elusive. “Are they… Dad’s family?”

Selena took the photograph from Eli’s hand, a soft smile playing on her lips, though a shadow flickered in her eyes, a hint of something unspoken.

“Just a stranger,” she replied lightly, her tone casual. “Someone your father once knew. Nothing more than that.”

Eli tilted her head, curiosity still etched on her face. “Oh… I see.” She placed the photo back on the table, her thoughts swirling. “I was just wondering if Dad… cares about them.”

“You’re too innocent, my dear.” Selena tucked the picture between the files, her expression softening. “Connections can be formed by anyone, at any time. But you… you are his own flesh and blood. Nothing can overshadow that bond.”

Eli bit her lip, her heart heavy with doubt. “I’m just afraid Dad won’t like me.”

“Impossible.” Selena stood up, straightening the folders with an air of determination, her gaze locking onto Eli’s with a certainty that felt both reassuring and unsettling. “A gentle-hearted girl like you? I’m confident your father will adore you the moment he lays eyes on you. You’ll see.”

Just then, a quick honk echoed from outside their modest rental house, breaking the moment.

“The car’s here,” Selena announced after glancing at her watch. “It’s time to go. We’ve lingered long enough in this little town. Your father was supposed to pick us up, but it seems he’s caught up with work. No matter, we’ll go to him instead.”

Eli grabbed her bag, her heart racing. “Is SunCity far?”

“Far enough for a fresh start,” Selena replied, her smile radiating warmth as she caressed her daughter’s cheek. “Come on, darling. Your father is waiting for us.”

Eli remained silent, her heart a cacophony of emotions—hope, fear, and an insatiable curiosity that she could hardly articulate.

As they departed the small town of Eastern in the sleek black car that had come to collect them, they headed toward SunCity—the sprawling metropolis where Eli’s father resided.

Dad… I long to meet you. I hope you remember me.

“Are you all ready?” Daven’s voice boomed from the front door, breaking through the morning’s cheerful chaos.

He stood there, sharp in his dark blue suit, a picture of professionalism, but the faint lines at the corners of his eyes hinted at the burdens he carried from long hours of work.

Josh bounded over to him, patting his shoulder with a sense of camaraderie. “Dad, Mommy said I’m almost as tall as you!”

Daven surveyed his son with a nod of approval. “At this rate, you’ll catch up before your next birthday.”

Grace wrapped her arms around Daven’s leg, her eyes sparkling with innocence. “Daddy, do I look pretty?”

“Very pretty,” he replied, effortlessly lifting her into his arms. “You’re my most beautiful girl.”

Althea watched the tender exchange, a soft warmth blossoming in her chest. It was a picture-perfect family moment, each member radiating love and devotion so profound it felt almost tangible. She cherished these moments, even amidst their occasional squabbles, knowing they always found their way back to each other.

“Alright, let’s get going. You’ll be late if we don’t leave now,” Daven urged, his voice pulling her from her reverie.

“Daddy’s right. Come on, let’s check again—did you forget anything?”

Their morning was filled with a warmth and happiness that those around them admired. Yet, lurking in the shadows, there were those who envied their joy. More dangerously, there were those who harbored a desire to shatter that happiness into countless pieces.

Across the street, a figure sat concealed within a silver car, eyes trained on the family from a distance. With a long-range monocular pressed to his eye, he observed every move they made, careful to remain unnoticed.

A moment later, he spoke into a device in his hand, his voice low and measured.

“Target just left the house. Looks like they’re going about their usual routine.”

On the other end, a voice responded—deep, raspy, and laced with an intimidating edge.

“Make sure the plan doesn’t fail again. I don’t want to hear about another slip-up, Bruno. Understood?”

Major Canis Author

I hope you like it, my beloved Reader.