Ex-husband wants me back novel

Chapter 579 +25 Bonus Chapter 579 "Not just today," Althea replied softly. "I've felt it for a while. It's more... a mother's instinct than anything else." "Regardless of instinct," Nathan said with a long exhale, "I agree that Eli is an innocent child." His voice grew heavier. "Selena's case won't be resolved anytime soon. With the new testimonies and the expanded investigation file, the trial will likely drag on longer than expected. And I've already instructed Richard not to let them receive light sentences." "You're right," Daven said calmly. Riana let out a quiet breath. "Which means...

for a long time, Eli won't have a legal guardian." "We can arrange temporary protective status," Daven answered. "Legally, that won't be an issue. And once all of Selena's wrongdoing is exposed in court, it will inevitably trace back to how she came to have Eli in the first place. Everything will be laid bare." His jaw tightened slightly. "It will also confirm that Eli has no blood relation to Selena. She'll be... completely alone." The room fell silent. "Poor child," Riana murmured, her voice tinged with sadness.

"But this isn't only about paperwork or guardianship, Mom," Daven said, meeting her gaze directly. "It's about her identity." Nathan nodded. "She believes Chase is her father. That's the story Selena planted in her mind for years." "And when we finally tell her the truth..." Riana's voice softened. "I can't imagine how shattered she'll feel." "But the longer we hide it, the more suspicious she'll become," Althea added gently. "Selena won't be coming back anytime soon.

And we can't keep the children away from television or the internet forever." "That's why I'm planning to transfer her to another school," Daven continued. "I've discussed it with Mr. Miller, with Chris and Cale as well. In front of Richard too, so there will be specific legal protection arranged for Eli." He looked from Althea to Riana. "That's why we're talking tonight. About my plan. What do you think?" Riana nodded slowly, without interruption. "It's a wise decision. I was wondering since this morning why you suddenly suggested transferring her.

It turns out you've already thought several steps ahead." "I don't want her to feel exiled," Daven said. "The school transfer must be presented as an opportunity- not a consequence." Once again, he turned to Riana and Nathan. "And because of that, I want her to continue living here. Under our supervision. If you're uncomfortable with Eli staying in this house, she can-" 1/4 Chapter 579 +25 Bonus "No," Nathan cut in immediately. "Let her stay here. Besides, where else would you go?" He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Your wife is pregnant, Daven.

Are you seriously considering moving back to your own house when your company hasn't fully recovered yet?" Daven gave a faint smile. "I've imposed on you for far too long." Riana sighed in clear disapproval. "I dislike this kind of talk the most. We already consider both of you our children. Can't you return that by thinking of us as your parents too?" "That's not what I meant-" "Then what is it?" Riana cut in, clearly displeased. "Almost every time we have the chance to talk, you hesitate about staying here any longer. Do you know that?

You're hurting my feelings." Daven froze, caught off guard. He immediately stepped closer and took her hand. When his own mother used to sulk, he'd always known exactly how to coax her back into smiling. But Riana? "Forgive me," he said sincerely. "I just don't want to burden the two of you any longer." "We don't feel burdened, Daven," Nathan replied with steady warmth. "On the contrary, we're happy you're here. I don't have to make excuses to play with Josh or walk Grace to school. There are so many things we can do together." A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"Or is it that you don't like the right-wing pavilion?" "Oh, for heaven's sake," Daven exhaled, rubbing his temple. "It's not like that at all." "Then you don't need to rush back to your own house," Riana said firmly. "Let everyone stay here. And besides, this still concerns Eli. The more people watching over her, the better." "Fine," Daven relented at last. Althea let out a soft laugh. He tu "What are you laughing at, darling?" ter was contagious. Soon, the tension that had filled the study moments ago melted into g lighter, warmer.

Once the atmosphere had settled, Daven straightened and returned to the matter at hand. "Then who will speak to her?" "I will," Riana answered without hesitation. Althea blinked in surprise. "Mom? Are you sure?" Riana smiled gently. "If you speak to her, she'll see it as the lady of the house making a decision. If Daven speaks to her, she'll think it's the head of the family laying down rules." Nathan added quietly, "But if we tell her, it will feel like grandparents comforting their granddaughter." 2/4 Chapter 579 +25 Bonus Daven looked at them both, weighing their words carefully.

"I don't want her to feel abandoned," he said at last. "She won't," Riana replied firmly. "Precisely because we're not pushing her away." Althea nodded in agreement. "She looked happy tonight. It's the first time I've seen her like that without Selena beside her." Nathan met Daven's gaze. "Sometimes, the best thing for a child is distance from the wrong person." Daven drew in a slow breath. "I just don't want us to rush this." "Tomorrow morning, Nathan and I will speak to her," Riana said decisively. "Just the three of us. After that...

if you still intend to transfer her school, you can talk to her yourself to reinforce your decision." Althea laced her fingers together on her lap, unconsciously tightening her grip. "I'll stay close to her afterward." "Of course," Riana replied gently. "I'm certain she'll need you." Nathan nodded in agreement. "We'll make it clear that she's staying here. That the new school is the best choice for her. And for now, the Miller residence remains her home." "And her mother?" Daven asked quietly. Riana's expression softened, but her voice remained steady.

"We tell her the truth-at a level appropriate for her age. That her mother is going through legal proceedings. That adults sometimes make mistakes." She paused for a breath. "And that those mistakes are not their children's fault." lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together as she steadied the swell of emotion rising in her en noticed immediately. "You're all right with this?" She nodded slowly. "I am. I just... hope she can understand. It won't be easy for her to accept something like this." Her voice grew quieter.

"I can't imagine being in her place." Daven reached for her hand again, intertwining his fingers with hers. "This isn't the end for Eli." Althea turned to look at him. "It's an opportunity," he continued gently. "An opportunity to shape her life into something better. A life where she isn't pressured or manipulated into doing things she never wanted." 3/4 admin