HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 401

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

**Chapter 401**

“Yes,” Daven replied, his voice barely above a whisper, as if the weight of his words hung heavily in the air. He paused, lost in thought for a moment before adding, “I want to come with you. It’s been far too long since I last visited Chase.”

Althea, with a gentle shake of her head, countered, “Not this time.”

“Daven,” he started, his voice rising slightly in protest, but she interrupted him with a calm authority.

“Your work is more important right now. There are countless matters you need to address with your people, aren’t there?” Althea’s tone was soft yet unwavering, as she reached out to grasp Daven’s free hand, a gesture meant to ground him. “And I’m certain Chase would understand. Didn’t he despise those who shied away from their responsibilities? You’re not that kind of man.”

Daven’s gaze fell to his plate, the uneaten food suddenly uninteresting, before he lifted his eyes to meet hers again. “I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I won’t be alone,” Althea reassured him. “I’ll be with Mom.” She hesitated, then added, “And… Selena and Eli will be there too.”

At the mention of Selena’s name, Daven’s expression hardened. “Selena?”

“Yes,” Althea confirmed, her voice steady despite the tension brewing in the room.

His jaw tightened, a barely noticeable clench that spoke volumes. “I don’t like this. Especially with you being that close to her. I should go with you.”

“I know you don’t like it. I don’t either,” Althea confessed, her voice softening. “But I promise I’ll be careful.”

“It’s not just about you, sweetheart,” Daven said quietly, his fingers curling protectively around hers. “I can’t shake this uneasy feeling about Selena. It’s as if she’s steering everything toward an unforeseen outcome.”

Althea rose from her seat, stepping closer to him, her hand resting reassuringly on his shoulder. “I won’t let anything happen. Trust me.”

Daven lifted his hand to clasp hers, the warmth of their connection providing a momentary solace. “I do trust you.”

In that shared silence, they closed their eyes, a wordless exchange of emotions passing between them, a bond that transcended spoken language.

“I want to stay by Mom’s side,” Althea continued, her voice a whisper now. “I suspect Selena has her own motives concerning her. I can’t just turn a blind eye and let that unfold. You need to concentrate on your responsibilities.”

“I’ll arrange for a few people to keep an eye on you from a distance,” Daven offered, his protective instincts kicking in.

Althea nodded, not putting up any resistance. “I think Cale has already asked Erick to be on standby.”

A faint smile crept across Daven’s face. “Just tell me if you need anything.”

“I will,” she promised, her expression softening in gratitude.

Daven studied her for a long moment, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Although the worry didn’t vanish entirely, it now coexisted with a burgeoning trust.

***

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