HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 21

That morning, the quiet stillness of Daven’s room was gently infused with the soothing scent of jasmine tea mingling with the comforting aroma of warm, buttered toast. Soft sunlight streamed through the tall, elegant windows behind his desk, bathing the space in a tender, golden glow. Daven reclined in his chair, his gaze fixed intently on Althea as she carefully poured tea into a delicate cup, the steam curling upward like a whisper.

Althea appeared composed, serene—her smile subtle but genuine, enough to add a quiet warmth to the room that felt different from the usual tension between them.

“Is this enough?” she asked softly, setting the teacup down beside Daven’s plate with a gentle touch.

He responded with a brief nod. “Yeah.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t make coffee for you. I think we’re out of the beans you prefer. I’ll pick some up this afternoon,” she added, a hint of apology in her voice.

Daven offered only a short nod in return, his eyes still watching her.

They ate in companionable silence, the only sound the soft clinking of cutlery against plates. Yet beneath the quiet, Althea’s thoughts swirled with complexity. She wasn’t sure why Daven had insisted on eating here, away from the others, but now that she was in this sunlit, peaceful corner with him, the moment felt unexpectedly intimate—almost tender. Without realizing it, she found herself smiling more than she had in a long time.

“What’s gotten into you?” Daven finally broke the silence, his voice low and curious.

“What do you mean?” she replied, a little caught off guard.

“You keep smiling,” he said, setting down his teacup deliberately. “Is something making you happy?”

Althea hesitated, then let out a light laugh. “It might sound silly, but… this is the first time I’ve had breakfast with my husband in a place where no one’s watching us. No interruptions.”

Daven didn’t reply immediately. His eyes drifted to his plate, but he didn’t miss a single movement she made.

“You didn’t like me saying that, did you?” she asked gently, sensing a subtle shift in his mood. “I’m sorry.”

“Why do you always apologize?” he said, a flicker of amusement in his tone, though he kept his expression serious. Watching her squirm—nervous and unsure—was oddly entertaining. “Stop overthinking everything.”

Lowering her gaze, Althea nervously twisted the cloth napkin on her lap. “Like I said… maybe it doesn’t mean much to you. But for me, just sitting here and eating like this—it’s something I’ve wanted for a very long time.”

Silence settled between them again, thick but not uncomfortable.

Until—

“How’s your body?” Daven asked suddenly, his voice calm but probing.

Althea’s eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly dropped her gaze.

“L-like usual,” she stammered, cheeks flushing. “I’m… I’m fine.”

He watched her carefully, noticing the deepening blush that spread to her ears. “Nothing hurts?” he pressed gently.

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