HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 384

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

**Chapter 384**

The night had already draped its inky cloak over Greenvilla by the time the car glided to a halt in front of their apartment building. As the engine quieted, Selena was the first to exit, her silence heavy with unspoken thoughts. Eli followed closely behind, but paused just long enough to offer Mr. Smith a soft, grateful nod, a flicker of appreciation for his service.

Mr. Smith returned the gesture with a slight incline of his head, his voice warm as he wished the two a pleasant night.

“What took you so long back there?” Selena’s voice sliced through the stillness of the lobby as they stepped into the elevator, her tone a mixture of impatience and frustration.

“Nothing,” Eli replied curtly, her words clipped. She summoned a polite smile, hoping it might somehow brighten the mood that had enveloped her mother since their earlier disappointment. Failing to meet Riana had clearly cast a shadow over Selena, and Eli couldn’t help but feel the weight of that disappointment herself, though she kept her feelings tightly sealed within.

As the elevator doors slid open on the twenty-sixth floor, Selena stepped out with a briskness that echoed through the marble corridor, her stilettos clicking sharply against the polished floor—a rhythm of annoyance. Eli hurried after her, clutching the paper bag of cookies she had painstakingly baked earlier, their sweet aroma a small comfort in the tense atmosphere.

“So annoying,” Selena muttered under her breath, her irritation palpable as she led the way to their apartment.

The door swung open, revealing Silvia, who greeted them with a radiant smile that seemed to momentarily lift the gloom. “Good evening, Madam. Good evening, Miss Eli.”

“Prepare dinner,” Selena commanded, shrugging off her coat and carelessly tossing it onto the sofa as if it were a burden. “I don’t want to be disturbed while I wait.”

“Of course, Madam,” Silvia replied, her voice steady and respectful.

Eli lingered at the threshold of the living room, hesitant. “Mom… can I talk to you for a moment?” she ventured, her heart racing slightly at the prospect of broaching a sensitive subject.

Selena glanced over the bar counter, her expression softening momentarily, though a hint of annoyance still lingered in her eyes. “What is it now?” she asked, her tone suggesting that she was already weary.

“We couldn’t meet Grandma. I felt it too—we’re both disappointed. But she doesn’t seem like someone who’s easy to see, right?” Eli’s voice was gentle, trying to bridge the gap of frustration that hung in the air.

Selena clicked her tongue in irritation, a sound that resonated with her mounting frustration. After a long, drawn-out breath, she replied, “Maybe.”

“I was thinking… maybe we could try again tomorrow?” Eli suggested, her hope flickering like a candle in the wind.

Selena brushed her loose hair back with an impatient hand and walked over to Eli, who still clutched the paper bag of cookies like a lifeline. Taking it from her, she handed it off to Silvia, then gently stroked the top of Eli’s head, a fleeting moment of tenderness.

“You don’t need to force yourself to see her, sweetheart. If she says she’s busy, then she’s busy. We don’t need to dig deeper. It’s possible she simply doesn’t want to meet us,” Selena said, her voice firm but not unkind.

Eli’s gaze dropped, a wave of disappointment washing over her. “Is that so…?” she asked quietly, her heart heavy with unfulfilled expectations.

“Madam,” Silvia interjected with caution, “Mrs. Riana truly is difficult to meet. Her schedule is very full. Perhaps it would be best if Eli focuses on preparing for school on Monday. I’m sure if Mrs. Riana has the time, you’ll be able to meet her.”

Eli nodded quickly, a flicker of determination igniting within her. “Yes, I’ll get everything ready. And thank you for the reassurance, Silvia. I really appreciate it.”