HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 81

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 81**

“Why is this taking so long?” Daven grumbled under his breath, casting yet another glance at the gleaming Rolex adorning his left wrist. It felt like he had checked the time a hundred times already, each tick of the second hand amplifying his growing frustration. Today was the day Rio had promised to provide the crucial information he had been eagerly awaiting. Daven’s impatience was palpable, his thoughts racing as he envisioned the details he needed. He wasn’t interested in a phone call; he craved something tangible, something he could hold onto—solid proof that would leave no room for doubt.

As he waited for Rio’s update, Daven found it nearly impossible to concentrate on the mountain of work before him. His mind kept drifting back to SunCity, that vivid place filled with memories he couldn’t shake. And if he was being completely honest with himself, he couldn’t stop thinking about that child.

Josh.

That innocent, earnest little face had somehow carved out a permanent niche in his thoughts, refusing to fade away. Alongside Josh’s image, the face of his ex-wife lingered just as insistently. No matter how many years had passed, he could still conjure her likeness in his mind with startling clarity.

Perhaps it was the brevity of their time together that made the memories so vivid… yet they had left an indelible mark on his heart. Maybe that was the reason why forgetting Althea had always been an uphill battle.

“Mr. Daven,” a soft voice broke through his reverie. It was Arsen, his assistant, standing patiently by his side. “Mr. Liam needs your approval on the financial planning. You can review the breakdown here.”

Arsen handed over a few sheets of paper, though the same figures were already displayed on the expansive screen at the front of the room.

But Daven barely registered the documents. Arsen could sense that Daven’s mind was miles away, a fact that had become all too common over the past couple of weeks.

“Right,” Daven muttered, adjusting his posture in an attempt to shake off the fog that clouded his mind.

The conference room buzzed with animated discussions, the air thick with the energy of sharp debates. A series of monitors illuminated the space, showcasing charts, projections, and supporting data that flickered in and out of focus. Stacks of documents lay open before each executive seated around the long table, their brows furrowed in concentration.

Daven occupied the head of the table, his fingers digging into his temples as he struggled to anchor his scattered thoughts. Outwardly, he maintained a facade of composure, but internally, he was wrestling to remain present. He couldn’t afford to let this distraction continue.

He forced himself to process the risks and opportunities that Liam Smith-Callister Corp’s finance manager had just laid out.

“In conclusion, we’re set to begin final-stage production within the next two weeks,” one of the project consultants declared, his voice steady. “The team in Frankfurt has confirmed that both facilities and labor are ready. What’s your take on this, Mr. Daven?”

“That’s good news. After such a prolonged delay, they’ve finally approved our proposal,” Daven responded, his gaze sweeping across the table, locking eyes briefly with each division head.

“Make sure the transition from audit to execution is seamless. No delays, and absolutely no shipment errors. I want triple checks on that. If anything goes wrong, the additional costs could severely impact our margins.”

A project director nodded earnestly. “We’ll ensure that, Mr. Daven. We’re also scheduled to start final feasibility testing in three days. Would you like to be on-site in Frankfurt, Mr. Callister?”

Daven gave a curt nod. “Yes. Arsen will arrange my schedule.”

As the meeting wrapped up and people began gathering their belongings, Arsen was already positioned near the door, clearly waiting for Daven.

“Mr. Daven,” Arsen stepped forward, extending his phone toward him. The screen illuminated with an incoming call from Vanessa. Daven dismissed it instantly.

Daven strode toward his office, leaving Arsen behind to manage whatever Vanessa required. It wasn’t that Daven didn’t care; it was just… he couldn’t quite articulate the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed him over the past two weeks, especially since returning from SunCity.

Just as he reached his office, the receptionist approached him, her demeanor slightly anxious. “Mr. Callister, your guest has arrived. He’s waiting in the lounge on the second floor.”

“Send him into my office,” Daven instructed, his heart racing. Please let it be good news, he thought to himself. But if all his suspicions were correct… what exactly did he intend to do?

Right before stepping into his office, Daven called out, “Arsen,” prompting the assistant—who was scrambling to catch up—to hurry over.

“I’ve arranged for someone to pick up Miss Vanessa. I also had a bouquet delivered in your name with a welcome message,” Arsen said with a soft sigh, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. “Is there anything else you need from me before I return to my desk?”

“Good,” Daven replied curtly. “Clear the last two hours on my schedule. I don’t want to be disturbed.”

Thankfully, today’s agenda wasn’t as overwhelming as usual. That meant Arsen wouldn’t have to juggle too many appointments or deal with frustrated complaints about last-minute changes. At least not this time.

“Yes, sir.”

Daven stepped into his office, loosening his tie and shrugging off the blazer that suddenly felt constricting around his shoulders. He rolled his shirt sleeves up to his elbows and made his way to the sofa that sat invitingly in the center of the room. Settling in, he leaned back with a quiet exhale, allowing the anticipation to build within him.