HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 386

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 386**

Selena’s smile blossomed, a bright curve that seemed to light up the dim room. “Of course! Why wouldn’t it be?” she responded with a hint of enthusiasm, stepping aside with a graceful motion, as if to invite a deeper conversation. “Forgive me for interjecting so frequently. I just felt it was important for you to know the truth about what transpired.”

Riana, however, moved deeper into the room, her attention drawn away from Selena’s words. Her eyes found Eli, who was sitting quietly, and she couldn’t help but ask, “How are you, sweetheart?” The warmth in her voice was unmistakable, a blend of concern and affection.

Eli’s face lit up, a dazzling smile spreading across her features. “I’m fine, Grandma. It’s just a little bruise—really, just a tiny one. Silvia was so quick to pull me away. If anyone’s hurt, it might be her.” Her innocence shone through, a beacon of resilience that tugged at Riana’s heart.

Riana settled beside her, gently taking Eli’s arm in her hands to examine the bruise. “Oh my… it’s still bruised,” she exclaimed softly, her brow knitting together with worry. “Should we go to the doctor now? You need a thorough checkup. And Silvia too.” The thought of her granddaughter being in pain made her heart ache.

“No, Grandma,” Eli interjected, shaking her head with determination. “I’m okay. Truly.” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of defiance and trust, as if she were trying to convince not just Riana, but herself as well.

“You must have been frightened,” Riana said, her voice gentle but firm. “Let the doctor take a look, just to be safe.”

Eli reached out, her small hand finding Riana’s. The grip was soft yet tremulous, a fleeting touch that spoke volumes—perhaps a remnant of fear, or perhaps a sudden realization of the bond they shared.

“I… I was a little scared, Grandma,” Eli confessed quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “But Silvia hugged me and helped me calm down.” The memory of that comforting embrace seemed to soothe her.

“Please forgive me, Mrs. Riana,” Silvia chimed in softly, her tone filled with sincerity. “I did everything I could to keep Eli safe. I just didn’t expect the robber to suddenly grab another customer’s bag—and Eli was standing too close to that person.” Her eyes darted nervously, as if the weight of the incident still lingered around them.

Selena, feeling the emotional tide rising, reached for a tissue, dabbing at the corner of her eye as if she had been shedding tears. “This is all my fault… I pushed her to go there with me. I should’ve gone alone after the interview. I thought stopping by the bakery might lift our spirits after what happened yesterday.” Her voice trembled, laden with guilt.

Riana’s brow furrowed slightly, curiosity piqued. “Yesterday?”

“Yes, yesterday. When we couldn’t meet you,” Selena replied quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush. “It made Eli very sad, and I only wanted to cheer her up.”

Eli parted her lips, clearly ready to object, but Selena gently captured her hand in a soft grip. The gesture was tender, yet the unspoken message was clear: don’t speak.

Riana noticed this interaction and felt a surge of discontent brewing within her.

“Selena,” she said, her voice steady yet firm. “I appreciate that you’re looking after Eli. But this isn’t your fault. Some things simply can’t be predicted.”

“Is that really so?” Selena inquired, her gaze piercing through Riana with feigned sorrow. “Because sometimes I feel… that you don’t trust me. Or us. Haven’t I provided enough proof to convince you that Eli is truly Chase’s biological child?”

Riana’s hand curled tightly into a fist, though her exterior remained composed. Inside, a tempest raged. “I never said that,” she replied, her voice carefully measured. “I just need time. All of this happened so suddenly—”

“So suddenly?” Selena interrupted, her voice low yet edged with sharpness. “Or are you simply not ready to accept your own granddaughter?”

Eli turned quickly, her expression a mix of confusion and hurt. “Mom… please don’t say that. I’m sure Grandma isn’t like that. She must care about me. After all, she came to see us right away, didn’t she?” Her faith in Riana was unwavering, a testament to her innocence.

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