HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 587

Eli gave a small, fragile smile.

“Because I shouldn’t be here.”

The words were quiet—but they hit like a blow.

“Who told you that?”

“I did.” Tears began spilling down her cheeks again. “I’m not part of this family. I’m not Daddy Chase’s daughter. I’m not GrandDad and GrandMom’s biological granddaughter.”

Althea stepped closer, but Eli instinctively took half a step back.

“I came into this house with a lie,” she continued, her words stumbling over each other. “I introduced myself with an identity that wasn’t mine. I’ve been living inside a false story.”

“That wasn’t your fault.”

“But I was still part of it!” Eli’s voice rose, trembling, her sorrow laid bare in her eyes. “I defended everything my mother said. I believed all of her stories. I even… felt proud. I felt like I deserved to belong here.”

She wiped her tears roughly with the back of her hand.

“I’m like a fraud who didn’t even realize she was committing fraud.”

Althea stopped directly in front of her. “Eli.”

But the girl kept talking, as if she were afraid that if she paused, she would completely fall apart.

“I don’t have a father. I don’t have a biological mother. I don’t have anyone. I’m just a child from an orphanage who was taken and used as a tool.” Her breathing hitched. “I don’t deserve to live in a house this big. I don’t deserve to be in the middle of all of you. I’m nobody!”

“That’s enough, Eli.”

Althea’s voice wasn’t loud—but it was firm.

Eli froze at once.

“Look at me.”

She shook her head, turning her face away.

“Eli. Look at me.”

Slowly, reluctantly, the girl lifted her tear-streaked face.

“Now take a breath.”

Eli tried, but her breathing was still uneven.

“Slowly. In… and out.”

Althea waited until her breaths began to steady, even just a little.

“You’re allowed to cry,” she said gently. “But don’t speak while tearing yourself apart. What you’re saying right now—that’s you hurting yourself.”

Eli bit her lip to stop another sob. “I’m nobody,” she whispered again.

Althea shook her head. “You are Eli.”

“That’s not enough.”

“It’s more than enough.”

Eli’s gaze drifted to the suitcase on the bed. It was nearly packed—just a few textbooks left to move. “I don’t want to burden anyone. If I leave now… maybe everything will be easier.”

“Easier for whom?”

Eli didn’t answer.

When Eli’s sobs began to ease, Althea gently loosened her hold and guided her to look up.

“Tell me what you want right now.”

Eli blinked, confused. “I… I don’t want anything, Mrs. Althea. Just being allowed to stay in this house is already a blessing. I know my place. Before I’m asked to leave, I’ll go on my own. I’m not—”

“Are you happy here?”

Eli stared at her.

“Answer me with your heart, Eli.”

She swallowed and nodded slowly. “I am. Very happy. It feels like… having a family,” she admitted in a small voice.

“Then why are you trying to leave?”

Eli faltered, unable to respond.

“Stay here for as long as you want,” Althea continued softly. “My husband has already found the best school for you. He’s making sure your needs are met. You’ll have protection. You have nothing to do with what your mother did.”

“B-but, Mrs. Althea…” Eli’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected this—especially not from her.

“GrandMom and GrandDad spoke to you because you deserved the truth. Not because they wanted you out of this house. They’re thinking about your future, Eli.”

Eli’s crying gradually subsided, though her body still trembled.

“And you already know Selena isn’t your biological mother, don’t you?” Althea added gently. “So what difference does it make if you stay here? Family isn’t always defined by blood.”

Eli’s hands twisted together nervously.

“I know you have the freedom to choose,” Althea said, her tone firm but kind. “But if you’ll allow me to give you advice—right now, the protection this family can offer you is the best place to stand. We’re not pushing you away because of what your mother did. We want you to live well, Eli.”