HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 374

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 374**

As the clock inched toward noon, a sudden chime of the doorbell broke the tranquil ambiance of the living room, drawing Althea’s gaze away from the book she had been engrossed in. Lydia, who had been meticulously arranging a vibrant bouquet for the vase, paused and turned her head, curiosity dancing in her eyes. A servant hurriedly made his way to the entrance, and as the door swung open, Riana appeared, an image of elegance in her cream coat, her hair impeccably pinned up, exuding an air of grace.

“Mommy?” Althea exclaimed, her face lighting up with a radiant smile that could brighten even the cloudiest of days.

“Ah, sweetheart!” Riana stepped forward, arms outstretched, enveloping Althea in a warm hug that felt like home. “And oh… look who we have in your lovely abode today.”

Lydia, unable to resist the warmth of the moment, leaned into the embrace as well. “What do you think, Mommy? Who am I?” she teased, her voice playful.

Riana chuckled, her laughter a melody of joy. “Why, my son’s girlfriend, of course! Doesn’t this young lady have any plans to visit me more often?”

“Oh, come on, Mom,” Lydia pouted, her expression exaggeratedly dramatic, eliciting another round of laughter from Riana.

The three of them settled comfortably in the living room, the air filled with chatter and laughter as they discussed everything under the sun—especially the thrilling escapades Lydia had embarked on during her sun-soaked days in the Bahamas.

“Oh, and I just heard something about Daven,” Riana interjected, her tone shifting slightly. “Althea, I heard he left the country? What’s the reason for such a sudden departure?”

Althea sighed softly, the weight of concern evident in her eyes. “There was some trouble with his project. He needed to assess the situation on-site. Daven never travels unless it’s absolutely necessary. So whatever has occurred must be significant—something he can’t afford to let slip through his fingers. That’s… what he shared with me.”

Riana nodded, her expression one of understanding mixed with concern. “Such a shame. I had planned to whisk you all away on a delightful trip this week. I’m certain the kids would have adored it. And what a coincidence it is—all my children are home at the same time, isn’t that just wonderful?”

Lydia’s face brightened at the thought. “I don’t think we need to travel far or even abroad, Mom. Just being together as a family feels like a vacation in itself.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Riana agreed wholeheartedly, a smile spreading across her face.

“How about we switch things up a bit?” Lydia suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Let’s set up tents in the backyard at the Miller estate. It’s simple, and the kids will absolutely love it. We can have a cozy family dinner out there.”

Riana’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Oh, Lydia… that’s a magnificent idea!” She turned to Althea, her voice warm and inviting. “What do you think? You can stay at my house for two or three days. I’m sure Josh and Grace won’t mind at all.”

Althea’s smile deepened, her heart swelling with affection. “Alright, Mom. I’ll make sure to prepare everything—especially Josh and Grace’s schoolwork.”

“Perfect,” Riana replied, her relief palpable. “We’ll head out as soon as you’re ready. I’ll have Nathan pick up the kids.”

“I can already imagine their excitement when they see Grand Dad,” Lydia chimed in, a playful grin on her face.

“You’re right,” Althea laughed, her heart light. “Get ready for their endless chatter.”

***

Just as Althea had anticipated, the afternoon unfolded with a delightful flurry of activity.

By late afternoon, Nathan arrived to pick up Josh and Grace from school, and the moment they spotted him, the siblings rushed into his arms as if they hadn’t seen him in ages.

“GrandDad! You won’t believe it—my basketball team won the class championship!” Josh exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. “It’s too bad you weren’t there to see it.”

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