**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 382**
The Miller family’s main residence, a sprawling estate filled with echoes of laughter and whispers of memories, stood as a testament to both joy and sorrow.
“You don’t need to worry this much, Althea,” Cale said softly, his voice a soothing balm in the tense atmosphere. He was seated a short distance away, the weight of the moment hanging between them like a fragile thread.
Although he hadn’t caught every nuance of Althea’s conversation with Daven, Cale had gleaned enough to understand the turmoil that gnawed at his sister-in-law. To the Millers, Althea remained the beloved daughter-in-law of the household, a role she had embraced even as the dynamics shifted with her marriage to Daven.
Her status may have altered—she was now officially Daven’s wife—but her connection to the Miller family was as strong as ever. Althea had woven herself into their lives, considering Daven’s family an inseparable part of her own existence. Grace, Chase Miller’s biological daughter, was a reminder of the bonds that tied them together.
Neither Cale nor Chris had ever voiced any objections to this arrangement. In fact, both men found solace in the hope that Althea and Daven would navigate their way back to one another. Althea had offered Daven a second chance, a chance to prove that he was worthy of standing by her side once again.
“I’m sure he’s fine,” Cale added, his tone laced with conviction.
Althea exhaled a long, shaky breath. The burden she carried felt as heavy as ever, despite Cale’s earnest attempt to ease her worries.
That night, Riana’s house radiated an unusual warmth, filled with the lively chatter of Josh and Grace. Their voices broke the stillness that typically enveloped the luxurious home, infusing it with a sense of life. Occasionally, Nathan and Riana’s voices would meld with the laughter spilling from the lounge, where the shimmering pool reflected the soft glow of the evening.
“I hope so,” Althea murmured, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m just afraid that what happened on the news will spiral into something bigger.”
“It won’t,” Cale replied, his certainty unwavering. “Daven is the most stubborn man I know. If he says everything’s under control, then it is. Besides, he’s always surrounded by security.”
“Then why did he still get hurt?” Althea shot back, irritation creeping into her voice, a crack in her facade.
Cale fell silent, unable to provide an answer. Althea’s words resonated with undeniable logic. He resolved to investigate how Daven could have sustained injuries while overseeing a troubled project. Was it truly as the news had reported—that the local protests had escalated into chaos and unrest?
“But thank you for trying to calm me down, Cale,” Althea said, her smile tinged with a hint of bitterness.
Before Cale could respond, the unmistakable sound of firm, familiar footsteps echoed through the hall, and then—
“Uncle Chris!”
Grace’s exuberant cry filled the corridor leading to the living room, a burst of energy that shattered the tension. Moments later, Chris appeared, lifting Grace into his arms with a hearty laugh, delighting in the barrage of questions she unleashed upon him.
He hadn’t even had a moment to remove his blazer or set down his work bag when Josh came barreling over, his excitement palpable. The boy radiated the kind of joy that only comes from having something precious to share.
“Uncle Chris, look—I just finished building a yacht!” Josh exclaimed, holding up a model crafted from tiny wooden pieces, intricately assembled with a child’s meticulous care. It was a remarkable creation, a testament to his creativity and dedication.
Chris chuckled, warmth flooding through him. Being surrounded by his two favorite nieces and nephews felt like a sunbeam cutting through clouds—invigorating and comforting. It had been far too long since he had enjoyed such carefree moments.
“I made a really nice drawing too, Uncle Chris. You have to see it!” Grace wiggled in his arms, her eagerness palpable. “Put me down for a second. I’ll get it and show you.”
“Alright, alright,” Chris laughed, his heart swelling with affection. “Show me everything you’ve been up to at Grandpa’s house.”
Althea almost interjected, wanting to remind them that Chris needed a moment to breathe after a long day at work. However, it was evident that neither Josh nor Grace had any intention of relinquishing their uncle’s attention anytime soon.
Cale let out a light laugh, watching the scene unfold. “Let them wear Chris out. They need something to distract them—so they’re not constantly thinking about their father. You too. You don’t have to worry so much.”


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back)