Ex-husband wants me back novel

Shadows of the Past - By Emma Clarke 10 Summary In this chapter, Althea faces a tense morning with the Callister family. She quietly serves breakfast, trying to show respect to the family she lives with, but is met with mockery and disdain from Kalina and Felicia. Their teasing reveals deep-seated resentment and hostility, especially towards Althea's efforts to fulfill her duties as Daven's wife. Catherine, the matriarch, enters with a commanding presence and adds to the cold atmosphere, criticizing Althea's attempt to play the role of a proper wife.

Despite the harsh words and insults, Althea remains calm and composed, determined to maintain her dignity and fulfill her responsibilities. She gently confronts Catherine's cruel remarks about her orphan status, asserting that honor and dignity do not depend on one's background or family name. The tension escalates until Daven arrives unexpectedly, breaking the icy mood with a surprisingly kind and casual interaction with Althea. His warm question about breakfast momentarily lifts her spirits and shocks the others.

However, the brief moment of warmth quickly fades as Daven's indifferent attitude resurfaces. He reminds everyone that Althea's presence is temporary and that they should tolerate her until she leaves. His coldness cuts deeply, highlighting the emotional conflict Althea endures-caught between moments of hope and the harsh reality of her situation. The chapter ends with Althea struggling to hold onto her pride despite the pain caused by Daven's detachment. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 10 Althea turned around with a composed air. "Good morning, Kalina," she said quietly.

Next came Felicia, her laughter ringing out louder and more exaggerated than usual. "Morning, our Honorable Maid," she teased. "You're really something, aren't you? Cooking this early in the day. Trying to win Daven over with breakfast, huh?" Althea didn't respond right away. Instead, she carefully placed a plate of boiled eggs and toast on the table before facing them directly. "This isn't about impressing anyone," she replied calmly. "It's simply my way of showing respect to the family I live with." Kalina scoffed, disbelief clear in her voice. "You're seriously delusional.

Acting like some real wife, serving breakfast like that. When soon enough-" "That's enough, Kalina," interrupted a sharp, commanding voice from the doorway. Catherine Callister entered, her presence as regal as ever, draped in a flowing silk kimono. "Let her enjoy the role while she still can." Althea bowed her head respectfully. "Good morning, Mother." Catherine took her seat at the head of the table, lifting the cup of coffee that had already been set before her. "Morning? I'm not so sure about that. Seeing you in the kitchen...

it's done something unpleasant to my appetite." Felicia smirked. "Mom's right. I think I might lose my appetite completely." Althea stood tall, her expression serene yet resolute. Behind that calm exterior was a quiet patience, carefully nurtured and unwavering. "I'm simply fulfilling my duty," she said softly. "Besides, I see no harm in preparing something for my mother-in-law before I leave this house for good." Her words hit Catherine like a sudden slap. The woman's hand froze mid-stir over her coffee. "Oh?

So now you've finally learned your place?" Althea offered a faint, almost wistful smile. "Not exactly. I just don't want to live with the regret of never doing what should have been done. After all, there isn't much time left." Kalina cut in, rolling her eyes. "Oh, stop being so dramatic. You're acting like some tragic heroine. You're just a lucky woman who happened to marry a man far too good for you." Felicia added with a sneer, "And incredibly stupid. If I were Daven, I would've kicked you out ages ago.

My brother's way too soft." Althea closed her eyes briefly, refusing to let their words get under her skin. When she spoke again, her voice was calm but firm. "If my presence here truly is a burden, I trust Daven will end it soon. When that happens, I won't cling to anything. But until then, I remain Althea Grayson-wife of Daven Callister. With all the duties and respect that title demands. So I suggest... you endure it as well." Suddenly, Catherine rose from her seat, her face tightening with displeasure. "Stop pretending to have dignity.

You're nothing more than an orphan this family happened to take in." Althea lifted her chin, maintaining a gentle gaze. "You're right, Mother. With all due respect... even an orphan can have honor. Even without a grand name, one can still preserve their dignity." Felicia hissed quietly under her breath. "You're awfully arrogant this morning." Althea smiled again, soft and composed. "Not arrogant. Just stating the facts." Catherine's hands clenched at her sides, clearly ready to lash out, but before she could speak, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed down from the stairs.

All eyes turned toward the source. Daven. Althea instinctively glanced over, surprised to see him. "I... I didn't know you were-" "Where's my breakfast?" Daven asked as he pulled out a chair. "What did you make this morning?" Though the question seemed casual, to Althea it felt like sunlight breaking through weeks of cold shadows. Her smile blossomed, gentle and wide. "I made toast. Do you still like peanut butter? I got your favorite brand. Or... would you prefer toast with sliced meat?" "Whatever you made, I'll enjoy it." The brief exchange left Catherine and her daughters visibly stunned.

How was this possible? How could Daven speak so kindly to Althea? Surely, Althea must be savoring this moment-perhaps even feeling genuinely happy with the way he treated her this morning. "Why are you all staring at me like that?" Daven asked, puzzled. "Just be grateful. She's right-until she actually leaves this house, the least you can do is put up with it." Have you ever felt as though you were lifted to the highest peak of joy, only to be thrown down so hard you crash into the deepest pit? That's exactly what Althea felt this morning. And Daven Callister was the one who made her feel it.

He always knew exactly how to shatter her pride. She should have grown used to it by now. But today... the sting was sharper than usual. "Can you hurry up? I have a meeting this morning," Daven added, completely indifferent to the look in her eyes or the storm swelling inside her chest. To him, Althea was just someone who would soon vanish from his life. And that was precisely how Daven wanted it. Right. Don't go soft like last night-when he had foolishly allowed a flicker of concern for that woman. Concern? For her? Ridiculous.

Conclusion The morning's fragile calm belied the tempest beneath Althea's composed exterior. Despite the barbs and dismissive sneers from Catherine and her daughters, Althea stood her ground with quiet dignity, embracing her role with a sense of duty that transcended their cruelty. Her gentle smile and unwavering resolve revealed a woman who, though burdened by rejection and uncertainty, refused to surrender her honor or the small moments of kindness she could claim before her inevitable departure. Yet, the brief warmth from Daven's unexpected kindness only deepened the ache within her.

When she's not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.