HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Althea couldn’t deny the flutter of nerves twisting in her stomach. It wasn’t just a little unease—her heart was pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She had only gotten up to fetch a glass of water, but somehow that simple act had led her to prepare a light dinner. Daven had seemed drained, his exhaustion evident, and hungry too. Now, here she was—standing inside a room she had never crossed the threshold of before.

Daven’s bedroom.

A space that felt both foreign and intimate all at once.

She cursed herself silently, wondering how she had gotten so worked up over something that should have felt natural. Yet, no matter how much she tried to steady her nerves, tonight was the night she had dreamed about. The night she had waited for with quiet longing. The night when she would finally be with Daven—not just as the woman who shared his home, but as his wife.

A night that should have come a year ago.

“Don’t do anything foolish, Althea,” she whispered to herself, clutching the soft fabric of her pajamas tightly. “Just keep up with him. You can handle this.” She tried to summon the strength from the countless romantic novels she’d devoured, telling herself, *You’ve got this.*

The room was softly lit, bathed in muted shades of grey and white, with a minimalist decor that felt more like a sleek hotel suite than a personal bedroom. It was neat, almost sterile, but comforting in its simplicity. Daven had asked her to wait while he took a shower, and now the only sounds were the steady ticking of the clock and the distant murmur of water from the bathroom.

When the water finally stopped, her heart leapt wildly in her chest.

He was done.

“Stay calm. Breathe,” she coached herself, trying to keep the rising panic at bay.

She stood by the window, avoiding the perfectly made bed as if it might betray her nerves. The soft cotton of her sleepwear hugged her slight frame, making her feel smaller, more vulnerable than usual. The light from outside cast her silhouette against the glass, a quiet figure caught between anticipation and hesitation.

Daven appeared, walking toward her with a small, amused smile. “You really waited for me,” he said, his voice light but genuine. Honestly, he had half expected her to run off. But no—Althea was true to her word.

“You told me to wait, didn’t you?” she replied, turning to face him, only to pause in surprise.

He stood shirtless, his damp hair loosely wrapped in a towel, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. The sight caught her off guard, stirring a mixture of warmth and nervousness inside her.

“You haven’t dried your hair yet?” she asked, stepping closer before she could stop herself.

“Sit down,” she offered softly, surprising herself with the confidence in her voice. “I’ll dry it for you.” She reached for the towel but hesitated, unsure if she was overstepping.

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