HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 453

Chapter 453

“Good night, Grace,” Althea whispered, pressing a loving kiss to her daughter’s forehead. She made sure the bedside lamp cast a soft, comforting glow, checked that the blanket was tucked in properly, and adjusted the room’s temperature just enough to keep it cozy.

Grace had already drifted off after her usual bedtime story, though she had asked more than once about her father, who still hadn’t come home. Althea had gently reassured her, explaining that Daddy had a lot of work at the office. Thankfully, Grace was a child who understood-far more than her age might suggest.

Althea’s steps carried her to Josh’s room next door. He had gone to bed later than usual, saying he’d spent some time with Nathan. Probably talking about their newest pet. Josh and Nathan shared a fondness for animals- Althea had lost count of how many now roamed the back garden.

Seeing Josh already fast asleep eased her mind.

She headed to the small kitchen area and brewed herself a cup of lemon tea to keep her company while she waited For the past few days, Daven had been coming home late. There was simply too much on his plate, too many matters demanding his time and attention.

October air felt noticeably colder-SunCity was edging toward winter. Althea slid one of the large glass doors open just a crack, letting the night breeze drift in from the garden on the right wing. The wind gently tousled her hair. Before sitting down, her gaze flicked to the wall clock.

It’s already eleven. He’s still not home.

She took a small sip of her tea. “I hope Daven’s all right,” she murmured.

Not long after, she heard footsteps she knew all too well.

Daven.

They echoed through the connecting corridor to the right wing-the part of the Miller estate where they were staying for now. The steps stopped at the doorway. Althea didn’t need to turn around to know who it was instead she quietly braced herself to welcome him home.

“Daven,” she said softly. “You’re just getting back?”

He stood there for a few seconds before walking over to her. His suit jacket was gone, his sleeves rolled up to hi elbows, his tie nowhere in sight. His hair was slightly disheveled, and exhaustion lingered on his face-though be tried to mask it behind a calm expression.

“You’re still awake?” Daven asked as the distance between them closed. He leaned in and brushed a brief kiss against Althea’s lips.

She smiled faintly. “I was waiting for you,” she replied, adjusting her cardigan. “Do you want me to make you some lemon tea? Have you had dinner?”

“I think a cup of lemon tea would help me relax,” Daven said quietly

Althea headed straight to the kitchen, and it didn’t take long before a cup of lemon tea was ready for Duver complete with the snack she had prepared especially for him: low-sugar chocolate cookies.

“Thank you, love,” Daven said as he took a sip of his tea. “This is really good tow are the ads?

“They’re already asleep.”

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Daven nodded slowly. “It’s a shame I didn’t get to see them.”

“I’m sure you miss them,” Althea said gently, without a hint of reproach. “They feel the same way, Daven. Especially Grace–she kept asking about you.” She smiled softly. “I told her Daddy was working very hard.”

A faint, weary smile crossed Daven’s face, tinged with guilt. “I’m sorry.”

Althea shifted closer, resting comfortably against his shoulder. One hand slipped into his, holding him in a quiet, affectionate grip. “Don’t apologize like that. I’m sure they understand-you really have had to work extra hard lately.”

Daven let out a long breath at her words. “Thank you for understanding, love.”

“You look exhausted,” Althea said, studying him from the side.

Daven sat at the edge of the sofa, the lamplight falling directly across his face-a face that always looked composed. Handsome, firm, and nearly impossible to read. His jawline remained strong, his shoulders steady, his presence giving the impression that the world was still firmly under his control.

His blue eyes turned toward her.

Althea fell silent for a moment.

That blue was still the same-deep and clear, carrying a calm that had always made her feel safe. The eyes she had first looked into with a racing heart, in the moment she realized she had fallen in love. Not because of sweet words or promises, but because of the way Daven looked at her as if she were the only place he could ever come home to.

There was no real change in that face. If anything, only one thing had deepened-maturity, settling into him, making his handsomeness quieter, more grounded, and somehow even harder to ignore.

A small smile curved Althea’s lips, almost without her realizing it.

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