HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 871

Naomi let out a long sigh of relief, as though an enormous weight had just been lifted from her chest.

"But..." Cale raised a finger, immediately drawing Naomi's full attention again.

His expression turned far more serious. "Never disappear without letting us know again, Naomi. If you want to go somewhere, then go. If you come home late because of university later on, that's fine. Even if you want to spend the entire day out, I won't stop you."

Cale paused, emphasizing his next words. "But let us know. Send us a short message so we know you're safe."

Naomi nodded immediately without hesitation. "I promise."

"Are you sure?"

"I am, Mr. Cale."

Only then did Cale give a small nod, accepting her promise. "All right. I trust that you won't make the same mistake again."

The atmosphere around the dining table finally eased completely. Without even realizing it, Naomi smiled in relief as she reached for her glass of juice. But the peace lasted only a few seconds because, not long afterward, the dining room door opened once again.

"Good morning." Chris walked in with light steps and a smile that seemed utterly carefree.

Strangely, not a single person at the dining table returned his greeting. Chris stopped beside an empty chair, glancing to his right and then to his left as he read the room.

"Cale?" Chris called.

There was no response. The man remained calm, enjoying his coffee as though his younger brother were nothing more than a passing breeze.

Chris frowned. He decided to sit down, picked up a slice of bread, and began spreading butter over it with exaggerated movements. Still, there was no response from his brother. Growing annoyed, he finally turned to Lydia.

"Have I suddenly become invisible in this room?" he asked in confusion.

Lydia immediately lowered her head, pretending to be busy drinking the tea that was only half-finished so she wouldn't burst into laughter at her brother-in-law's bewildered expression.

Chris looked directly at his brother again. "Cale."

Still nothing.

"Call it whatever you want."

"Cale, come on."

"No."

"Cale."

"No, Chris."

"Oh, come on." Chris dramatically leaned his head back against his chair. Then he glanced at Naomi before pointing at her with his chin. "Seriously... who's your actual younger sibling in this house? Me... or her?"

This time, Naomi could no longer hold back. She burst into laughter at Chris's frustrated expression. Even Cale finally failed to maintain his impassive expression and the corners of his lips lifted into a faint smile.

Even so, before his younger brother could take things any further, Cale warned in a firm tone, "If you keep talking and complaining, I'll double the number of files you have to review."