HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 979

Lydia slowly shifted closer to him. She reached for Cale's hand and held it tightly. Its warmth had always given her comfort. But this time, that very comfort only made the tightness in her chest grow worse.

"This time," she said, her voice almost a whisper, "could you please not go?"

Cale looked at her gently. "My love, Lydia."

"Let Vincent lead the operation." Tears began to well in Lydia's eyes. "There's still Daniel, Gios, and anyone else you can give orders to. Let someone else take your place, Cale. Can't you?"

Lydia paused for a moment. Her fingers unconsciously moved to her still-flat stomach, as though reassuring herself that the tiny life growing inside her was still safe. "I can't bear it if..." Her words caught in her throat. "I can't bear to lose you."

Cale let out a long breath. Slowly, he drew Lydia into a careful embrace. He could feel her body trembling slightly. The fear she had been trying so hard to hide had finally spilled out.

"I know."

Lydia gently shook her head against his chest. "I'm not trying to stop you." Her voice was still trembling. "I know you won't stop until Silas is found. I just... want you to come back."

Cale closed his eyes. His embrace tightened, though he remained careful not to hold Lydia so tightly that she felt uncomfortable. "I promise."

Lydia slowly lifted her face to look at him.

"I won't be reckless."

In truth, it wasn't the answer she wanted to hear. But Lydia knew the man who had become her husband better than anyone. Cale never made promises he couldn't keep. He didn't say he wouldn't go, because they both knew that was impossible.

There was only one thing he could promise.

He would do whatever it took to come back.

Night slowly settled over the villa. The garden lights cast a warm golden glow across the quiet pathways. Inside the bedroom, Lydia had been asleep for the past hour. Her breathing was slow and steady, while one hand still rested atop the blanket, covering her stomach.

"Don't let anyone let their guard down when it comes to the security of this house."

"Yes, Mr. Cale. Everyone will remain at their assigned posts and provide regular updates. We'll make sure this house stays secure."

Cale gave another brief nod. Then he climbed into the vehicle and settled into his seat. Vincent followed, but before getting in, he gave several more instructions.

The vehicle engines roared to life almost simultaneously. One by one, the convoy pulled away from the villa, carrying the night into yet another unfinished mission.

The sound of the engines gradually faded into the distance. At first, they were still clearly audible, then they became a faint hum, until they disappeared completely, leaving only silence to fill the night once more.

Meanwhile, Lydia wasn't asleep at all.

Ever since Cale had kissed her forehead a few minutes earlier, Lydia had only been pretending to sleep, letting her husband leave without forcing him to say goodbye one more time. She knew that if she had opened her eyes then, she might not have been able to let Cale walk out of the room.