Chapter 1
In the opening chapter of “Shadows of the Past,” Daven Callister abruptly announces to his wife Althea that he is going to marry another woman, Vanessa Blake, making it clear he will not seek Althea’s approval. This revelation shocks Althea, who stands silently, masking the turmoil inside her. Their marriage has been loveless from the start, a forced union orchestrated by Daven’s grandmother Evelyn as restitution for the death of Althea’s mother, for which Daven was responsible. With Evelyn recently passed away, Daven sees an opportunity to end the marriage he never wanted.
Despite the pain, Althea calmly accepts Daven’s decision but makes a surprising request: she asks for one month to live as his wife in a genuine way before he divorces her and marries Vanessa. She wants to experience what it truly feels like to be treated as a wife, even if the affection is feigned. Daven is skeptical and amused by her request, suspecting ulterior motives, but he is also intrigued by her determination and agrees to the one-month arrangement, warning her not to expect kindness or more than he is willing to give.
Throughout their tense conversation, Althea remains composed and resolute, determined to hold onto one meaningful memory of their marriage before walking away forever. Daven, though cold and dismissive, shows a flicker of curiosity and softens slightly, acknowledging the unspoken agreement between them. The chapter ends with a warning from Daven that if Althea breaks her promise, he will not hesitate to ruin her life, setting the stage for a complex and emotionally charged dynamic between the estranged couple.
Chapter 1
“I’m getting married again,” Daven announced abruptly, his tone firm and resolute. “And I won’t repeat myself, nor will I be seeking your approval p>
He slammed his coffee cup down on the table, cutting short the breakfast he hadn’t even touched.
Althea stood motionless by the long dining table, its pristine white marble surface gleaming under the morning light. Her fingers, still gripping the spatula she had been using moments ago, trembled faintly. Yet, she maintained a composed mask, bowing her head slightly as if to let Daven’s words settle deep within her—though inside, they felt like a creeping poison, slowly eroding her from the inside out.
“With Vanessa?” she whispered, barely audible.
Daven didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he drew a shallow breath and replied icily, “Yes. Who else p>
Her husband, Daven Callister, had never truly loved her. His heart had always belonged to Vanessa Blake. Their marriage had been nothing more than a barrier in his real love story. But what could Althea do, when the woman who had orchestrated their union had treated her with kindness?
Evelyn Callister—Daven’s grandmother.
Althea had never desired this marriage. All she wanted was a proper farewell for her mother. Everything that came after felt like inevitability, a fate she had reluctantly accepted. She surrendered, despite the lingering sorrow that haunted her every day since her mother’s death. But Evelyn refused to let things end there. She insisted that her beloved grandson, Daven—the man responsible for Althea’s mother’s demise—marry Althea as a form of restitution. Evelyn saw Althea as a lonely girl with no one else to turn to.
Daven had only agreed because he was trapped by his grandmother’s wishes. He had no choice but to comply. But now, with Evelyn Callister gone—taken by illness just two weeks prior—Daven finally glimpsed an escape from a marriage he had never wanted.
There was no reason to stay any longer. Not now.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved Althea’s lips—not one of happiness, but of bitter acceptance. She switched off the stove and gently laid the spatula down. Closing her eyes tightly, she fought to contain the tempest roaring inside her chest.
“I won’t stand in your way,” she said softly at last, her voice barely carrying across the spacious room. “We both know I never truly belonged in your heart p>
Daven remained silent. He neither denied nor corrected her. Yet, a flicker of unease flashed in his eyes as Althea moved slowly toward him. For a brief moment, he wondered if she might break down, plead, or show just enough sorrow to stir his conscience.
But she did none of those things.
Althea stood tall, her hands clenched lightly at the sides of her simple dress. Her long black hair cascaded freely down her back, a quiet contrast to the steady strength in her stance. Her warm, light brown eyes fixed on him—blank, unreadable—looking at the man who had always been a stranger under the same roof.
Althea was beautiful in her own subtle way. But that beauty had never awakened anything in Daven. To him, she was merely an intrusion—an outsider forced into his life. And now that he had the chance to remove her, Daven intended to do just that.
“Give me one month of your time,” Althea said calmly. “Just one month… Let me be your wife for real p>
Daven narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about p>
“I’ll leave, just as you want. After you say your wedding vows to the woman you love.” Each word she spoke stabbed at her heart, the pain raw and sharp. “You can divorce me, and I promise—I’ll vanish from your life for good. But before that, let me experience what it truly feels like to be a wife. Not just some stranger living under your roof p>
Silence hung heavily between them.
Then, Daven let out a dismissive laugh, wiping the corner of his eye as if amused by the absurdity of her request. What on earth was she thinking?
One month? The idea was ridiculous.
He took a step closer, closing the gap between them. His eyes scanned her face, searching for some hidden motive. Maybe, as his grandmother had suspected all along, Althea was after the wealth tied to his name.
Who didn’t know Daven Callister? CEO of Callister Enterprise, one of the most powerful young businessmen in Migathan City. People vied for his attention, especially women hungry for his favor. But Daven loved only one woman—and it wasn’t his wife.
It was Vanessa Blake, a rising supermodel whose name was lighting up the fashion world.
“You’re serious?” he asked, his voice cold and laced with disbelief. “This isn’t some cheap soap opera, Althea p>
She gave a small nod. “I’m not asking for your love. Who am I to ask for that?” she said with a bitter laugh. “All I want is to be treated properly—as your wife. Have dinner with me. Talk to me for a few minutes every day. Show me a little affection, even if it’s fake p>
She swallowed hard, her fists clenched to steady herself. “After that, I’ll walk away quietly. You’ll be free to marry whoever you want p>
Daven squinted, unsure whether to laugh harder or feel annoyed. Yet beneath his skepticism, something in her words struck a chord. A simple request—so painfully simple—that it sparked a flicker of curiosity.
What was Althea’s true aim?
“Why not ask for something more reasonable?” he challenged.
Althea fell silent. It was hard to look away when those piercing midnight eyes held hers, silently demanding she not break eye contact until he’d heard everything.
“If it’s money you want, just say it. I’ll give it to you p>
“No,” she said firmly, without hesitation. Her decision was made. There was no turning back.
“You really don’t know how to give up, do you?” Daven sneered.
“I already have, Daven,” Althea replied softly. “But I want just one memory to hold onto for the rest of my life—before I walk away from you forever p>
Neither spoke after that.
This time, Daven’s gaze softened slightly. He looked at the woman before him with a mixture of emotions—was it confusion? Annoyance? Or perhaps… curiosity?
“I’m not promising to be kind,” he finally said.
“I never expected you to change,” Althea answered, her calmness more shattering than any tears could have been.
And with those words, an unspoken agreement was forged.
One month. Thirty days for Althea to live as the wife of Daven Callister. A reality that should have existed from the day they were wed. But to Daven, she had always been nothing more than an unwelcome intruder.
Now, before it all ended, Althea could at least be grateful that Daven hadn’t outright rejected her request.
“Only one month, Althea,” Daven warned. “After that, you vanish from my life p>
“I understand exactly what I’m asking for, Daven. You don’t need to worry p>
He scoffed, a curl of disdain tugging at his lips. “And if you expect more than I’m willing to give, I won’t hesitate to throw you out p>
Althea nodded quietly.
“Don’t you dare break your promise, Althea.” His gaze sharpened again, cold and piercing. “If you do, don’t blame me for destroying your life p>
The fragile truce between Althea and Daven marks a poignant moment of vulnerability and unspoken longing, where the weight of past grievances and unmet desires hangs heavily in the air. Althea’s quiet strength and her plea for a mere month of genuine connection reveal her deep yearning not for love, but for recognition and dignity within a marriage that has long been a hollow arrangement. Meanwhile, Daven’s guarded response hints at a complex mix of resentment and reluctant curiosity, underscoring the emotional chasms that separate them yet bind their fates together.
As they step into this tentative agreement, the chapter closes on a bittersweet note, capturing the delicate balance between resignation and hope. Both characters are poised on the edge of change, each carrying their own scars and secrets, yet willing—if only for a brief time—to bridge the distance between them. This month promises not just a test of endurance, but a chance to redefine what it means to be truly seen and heard, even in the shadow of a love that was never meant to be.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and tense dynamic between Althea and Daven as they embark on this uneasy agreement. With just one month to share moments that have long been denied, emotions are bound to simmer beneath the surface, revealing vulnerabilities and perhaps unexpected glimpses of understanding. Will Daven’s cold exterior begin to crack under the weight of Althea’s quiet resolve, or will his lingering resentment only widen the chasm between them?
As they navigate this delicate dance of proximity and distance, the shadows of their pasts loom large, threatening to unravel the fragile truce they’ve formed. Althea’s desire to hold onto even a single genuine memory contrasts sharply with Daven’s guarded heart, setting the stage for moments charged with unspoken tension and subtle shifts in their relationship. The coming days may force both to confront painful truths, and the question remains: can a month be enough to rewrite what fate has seemingly sealed?
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.