HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 404

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**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 404**

Daven sat at the breakfast table, his demeanor calm and composed, as if he had mastered the art of balancing the chaos of family life. He engaged with Josh’s enthusiastic tales, asking questions that showed genuine interest, while also indulging Grace’s ceaseless chatter about her latest discoveries and daily happenings. In that moment, under the soft morning light filtering through the window, he felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, as if the world outside simply faded away, leaving only this intimate cocoon of family around him.

At the head of the table, Riana and Nathan exchanged a glance that spoke volumes. Their shared understanding was not something that required words; it was a bond forged over years of shared experiences, quiet moments, and an unshakeable sense of security that enveloped them like a warm blanket. They had cultivated this intimacy through countless mornings just like this one, where the mundane felt extraordinary simply because they were together.

Althea leaned over slightly, nudging Daven’s plate closer to him, ensuring he had enough to sustain him for the day ahead. When their eyes met, she offered him a smile—not the kind that demanded attention, but rather the most genuine expression of affection she could muster. It was the smile of a devoted wife, one who found joy in seeing her husband content and present, right where he was meant to be.

For a fleeting moment, the outside world—the impending crises, the relentless pressures, the chaos that often threatened to engulf them—felt like a distant memory. In that small space, all that mattered was the simple act of sharing breakfast, the laughter of their two children, and the unspoken understanding between two adults who had navigated life’s storms together. It was enough to fortify them, wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth that felt impenetrable, readying them to face whatever challenges awaited just beyond the door.

***

As breakfast came to a close, the tranquility of the morning gave way to a whirlwind of activity. Bags were hoisted onto shoulders with a sense of urgency, shoes were tightened, and lunchboxes were tucked away with care. Daven leaned down to plant a lingering kiss on Grace’s forehead, his heart swelling with affection, before playfully ruffling Josh’s hair, eliciting a giggle from the boy. Together, they ventured out, the children’s voices bubbling with excitement, their chatter blending into the crisp morning air.

Daven had made a conscious decision to personally drop them off at school. As he stood at the threshold, ready to step out into the world, he turned to Althea, his expression shifting to one of seriousness. “Be careful,” he murmured, the weight of his words hanging between them.

“I will,” Althea replied, her voice steady. She understood the unspoken implications behind his warning, the layers of concern woven into his simple request.

Soon, the house fell into a heavy silence, the kind that felt almost tangible.

“Mom, I’m ready,” Althea called out, turning her attention to Riana. They had an appointment to keep—a promise made to someone who was no longer part of their lives, yet whose presence lingered like an echo.

Riana nodded, her expression solemn. “I’m ready, too.”

Cale rose from his seat, reaching for his phone with an air of determination. “Erick will be handling the escort. Two more will follow from behind,” he stated, his eyes flicking between Althea and Riana, his gaze intense and unwavering. “Daven is right. Be careful.”

“Thank you,” Althea replied, her voice a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.

“I’ve also requested long-range surveillance,” Cale continued, his tone low and serious. “Just as a precaution.”

Nathan grabbed his suit jacket, the fabric rustling as he moved. “Are you heading to meet Daven? Or to your office first?” he inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Daven’s office. There are a few things we need to iron out,” Cale replied, the gravity of their intertwined lives evident in the air between them.

Moments later, the car arrived, and Erick stepped out, his demeanor professional and courteous, greeting everyone with a nod as they prepared to embark on their journey.

The drive was brief, yet it felt heavy with unspoken thoughts. Before long, they arrived at the cemetery—the serene resting place where Chase Miller lay in eternal slumber, embraced by the quiet of the earth.

A delicate veil of morning mist clung to the graveyard, lending an ethereal quality to the scene. Tall trees stood like solemn guardians, their leaves heavy with dew that dripped slowly onto the dark, damp earth below. The absence of urban noise was palpable; here, there was no cacophony of traffic or the frantic pace of city life. Only the gentle whisper of the wind as it danced through the headstones, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of wet earth—a bittersweet reminder of farewells that felt too burdensome for the heart to bear.