HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 818

Josh, who was sitting in the front, seemed completely unaware of the moment. His attention was fully focused on his phone, which had been filled with photos from their camping trip.

"This one's good."

"No," Chris replied.

Josh pouted, unconcerned by Chris's comment. He kept scrolling through the screen until he finally stopped at a particular photo.

"This is my favorite."

Naomi glanced over as well, without really intending to look. But the moment her eyes landed on the phone screen, she fell silent. The photo had been taken the day before.

Grace was laughing while holding a branch she had somehow found. Eli was beside her. Josh was talking with an expression that looked somewhat exaggerated.

And in the middle of them...

There was her—laughing freely. A laugh that had come naturally because she was happy.

Naomi stared at the photo a little longer than she should have. Strange. Because she couldn't even remember the last time she had laughed so openly and seen herself enjoying something that much.

"Yeah, you're right. That's a good one," Chris said. "Send it to the family group."

Naomi's eyes widened in disbelief, but she couldn't say anything. She was afraid of disturbing Grace's sleep. All she could do was glare at Josh disapprovingly and try to stop him.

Too late.

One by one, the Miller family members received the message Josh had sent. The first person to comment was, of course... Cale.

He said, "Wow, looks like this little puppy enjoys outdoor activities, huh? How about we do the same thing again six months from now?"

For a while, she simply stared at the screen without saying anything. Taking in each face one by one. Faces that had felt so unfamiliar some time ago, but no longer did.

There was a warmth she found difficult to explain whenever she looked at the photo. A feeling she had rarely experienced. Naomi let out a slow breath before finally turning off her phone screen.

Then, for the first time since coming to Sun City, she allowed herself to admit one simple thing. She no longer felt like a stranger among the Miller family. And she hoped things could stay this way for a long time. Because Naomi was beginning to enjoy the closeness they shared.

Naomi turned off her phone screen and lay down on the bed. For a while, she simply stared at the ceiling in silence.

The quiet of the night filled the room again, but this time it did not feel quite as lonely as usual. And before sleepiness could take over, Naomi found herself thinking about one simple thing.

Six months from now. Maybe the next camping trip didn't sound so bad after all.

Without realizing it, Naomi smiled faintly. "I want... to go again."