HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 424

Chapter 424

“Of course.”

Josh looked at his grandmother, hesitation written clearly on his face, but he could no longer hold it back. “If later… if it turns out Eli really is Chase’s child—what will happen?”

The question hung inside the car, stopping every other thought in its tracks. Riana didn’t blink as she looked at Josh, clearly not expecting her grandson to ask this. She didn’t answer right away.

“That’s not a simple question to answer, Josh,” she said at last.

Josh stared straight ahead. “I know. But there’s a chance it could be true, right?”

Riana took a deep breath. Her eyes drifted forward before she finally spoke. “If that turns out to be true,” she said carefully, “ then Eli will be treated the same as the other grandchildren.”

Josh turned to her quickly. “The same as me and Grace?”

“Yes,” Riana answered without hesitation.

Josh fell silent for a moment. There was no rejection on his face, but something was clearly being weighed in his mind. “That sounds fair,” he said finally. “And that’s how it should be.”

Riana glanced at him, slightly surprised. “You really think so?”

Josh nodded. “If she really is Daddy Chase’s child, that’s not her fault. She deserves to be treated the same.”

The car continued forward at a steady pace. The road toward their meeting place wasn’t crowded. Then Josh spoke again, his voice softer now, but firm.

“But I have one request.”

Riana turned to him. “Tell me, Josh. Whatever it is.”

“Nothing should change,” Josh said. His eyes stayed fixed on his grandmother. “This isn’t about what we have, or whose child we are to Daddy Chase, or anything tied to background or status. It’s about… relationships.”

Riana was still reeling from the depth of Josh’s thoughts. “Why do you think that way, Josh? I wouldn’t—”

“I don’t want to suddenly feel like a guest in your home, Grandma Josh continued. “You and Grandpa are the grandparents I’ve always known. I don’t want to lose my place just because someone new comes along.”

Riana felt her chest warm-and ache-at the same time. She pulled Josh into her arms at once, pressing gentle kisses to the crown of his head.

“You’re not going to lose anything,” she said softly but with absolute certainty. “Nothing between us will change. Not even the presence of someone new could erase the bond we already have.”

Josh looked at her, searching her face. “Promise?”

Riana smiled and drew him into a tighter embrace. “I promise.”

Josh returned the hug, holding on longer than usual. Relief slowly settled over his shoulders-not just because of the answer he’d been given, but because of the way Riana had said it.

“Thank you, Grandma. I just wanted to be honest,” Josh said quietly. “No drama.”

Riana chuckled. “In our family, that’s a pretty brave request.”

Josh gave a small smile. “Let’s go meet the girl and thank to her.”

The Italian restaurant wasn’t very crowded, yet when Riana and Joh arrived. Warm pendant lights cast a soft glow over wooden

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Chapter 424

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tables draped in white tablecloths, while the aroma of freshly bake bread and tomato sauce drifted gently from the open kitchen. Soft Italian classical music played in the background-jus enough to fill the space without intruding on conversation. Josh stepped ahead, pulling out a chair for Riana. “My favorite spo” he said lightly. “I always like sitting in this corner.”

Riana smiled as she sat gracefully. “Because you can see everyone who comes in without becoming the center of attention?”

Josh chuckled. “Maybe. Or because it’s quieter here than the other tables.”

“Who actually recommended this place to you in the first place, Josh?” Riana asked, a little curious. From her point of view, Josh never seemed to get tired of pizza, spaghetti, or anything Italian.

“Uncle Cale,” Josh answered, his tone unmistakably proud. “He’s the one who brought me here.”

The waiter came by, and they ordered quickly simple pasta for Josh a light soup for Riana. They had deliberately arrived early, wanting to enjoy moments like this without rushing. After that, the conversation flowed easily.

“How’s school?” Riana asked.

“Same as always. Nothing special,” Josh replied. “Competitions, assessments, assignments-just the usual.”

“Nothing interesting at all?”

Josh smiled faintly. “Like what? Oh-basketball? I’m preparing for a tournament, Grandma. In about three months we’ll be competing against other schools in SunCity.”

“I wouldn’t miss your game for the world.”

“Of course,” Josh said proudly. “I’m going to score a lot. I’m the captain, after all-I have to lead my team to a win.”

Riana clapped enthusiastically. “That’s wonderful! My grandson is amazing!”

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