HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 586

“Then… I’ll excuse myself,” Eli said quietly.

She gave Riana and Nathan one brief look before bowing politely. Just before she stepped out of the study, she added in a small, steady voice, “And thank you… for telling me the truth.”

The door closed softly behind her.

She walked with her head lowered, struggling to keep her tears in check. Her steps grew quicker as she moved down the quiet corridor, until she disappeared around the corner that led to her room.

Riana remained standing in front of the door for several long seconds, her gaze fixed on the empty hallway. There was so much concern in her eyes. So much tenderness.

Eli truly was the real victim in all the drama Selena had orchestrated.

“She needs time,” Nathan said gently from behind her, resting a comforting hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Give her time. I’m sure she’ll be ready to talk again soon.”

Riana nodded.

Not long after, Nathan left for the office. There were legal matters that couldn’t be postponed. “There’s still a lot I need to handle. Chris is also assisting at Daven’s company.”

Riana didn’t stop him. Responsibilities had to be met. “Drive safely,” she reminded him softly.

By midday, the dining table was set again. The staff had prepared a light lunch as usual. This time, however, Althea hadn’t stepped into the kitchen. She had been focused on accompanying the children through their written exams that morning.

Grace arrived first and took her seat. “Where’s Eli?” she asked, glancing around.

Josh came downstairs moments later, frowning slightly. “I thought she’d already be here.” He slid into his chair. “I wanted to ask her about one of the physics questions. I think I messed up the formula.”

Althea, who was pouring water into their glasses, paused for a brief moment.

He was right. Eli was usually already at the table by now.

She turned to a staff member who had just entered the dining room. “Where is Eli?”

“Miss Eli declined to join lunch, Mrs. Althea.”

That answer made everyone at the table exchange puzzled looks.

“Why?” Grace asked immediately. “Then I’ll go call her.”

Althea had a feeling she knew why Eli had chosen to withdraw.

“There’s no need, Grace,” she said gently.

“Mom, but why?” Grace’s brows knit together, her lips forming a small pout.

“I think Eli has quite a bit of schoolwork to catch up on,” Althea replied evenly. “I’ll ask the staff to bring her lunch upstairs.”

Grace considered that for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

Not long after, Riana joined them for lunch. She took her seat at the end of the table, greeting her grandchildren as she always did.

But there was something different about her today.

Her expression remained soft, composed—but beneath it lay a quiet sorrow she didn’t voice.

Althea looked at her mother-in-law—and understood.

Riana had told her. She had told Eli everything.

And now Eli was somewhere in this house, trying to process a truth that must have shattered the very ground beneath her feet.

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