Her Return, His Regret by Natie

Chapter 114~ The PTA meeting

The day of the annual Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting had arrived and Ryan was present as promised.

"Are you sure you're not busy?" Lora asked worriedly when they arrived at the children's school.

"No, I'm not... I'll be going on leave soon so I've delegated most of my work," Ryan replied. "And I wouldn't miss this important moment for anything in the world. My father stopped showing up when I was young and it affected me... I don't want our kids to go through the same."

Lora bit her lower lip, her heart feeling full. There was just something attractive about a responsible, present father. Right at that moment, Lora loved Ryan a little more.

Ryan and Lora entered the school auditorium, holding Ethan and Ella's hands. The hall was buzzing with a low hum of parents and teachers chatting as they filled the seats.

Ethan and Ella immediately spotted their friends and waved excitedly. They wanted their friends to see that they came with both their parents to the PTA meeting.

"Ok, you two. Time to go and sit with your friends, your father and I will be in the audience," Lora remarked.

The twins gave both their parents hugs before going to join their classmates at the seats reserved for the children.

Ryan smiled and held Lora's hand before leading her toward the sitting area reserved for parents.

After they settled, Ryan suddenly said, "I need to get something, I'll be back."

Lora frowned and replied, "Can't you get it later? The program is about to start."

"No, I need it now. I'll be back soon, I promise," Ryan stated before getting up and leaving.

Ella saw Ryan leave. She looked worried as her eyes followed him where he was going.

Lora saw this and her stomach knotted when she saw the look on her daughter's face. Was she worried that Ryan would leave without watching her perform?

When Ella turned to look at Lora with watery eyes, Lora shook her head and mouthed, "Daddy is coming back."

Although it was far, she made gestures with her hands and Ella seemed to understand. She nodded her little head and turned to concentrate on the program.

After a brief welcome speech by the principal and a few updates from the PTA board, it was now time for the student performances.

bag and settled

to get gifts?" Lora

watch our kids without something to give them after," Ryan said before looking at the children and giving them a wave. Ella grinned when she saw Ryan, her face

has planned?" Ryan asked. "She looks

Perhaps she's just happy

This is my first PTA meeting!" Ryan whispered just as the place went silent. "I never knew it felt so

laughter and applause from proud and happy parents as they watched their children perform. Ryan was nervous for his kids knowing

and said, "Relax, they

was now Ella's turn to perform. Her brother held her hand before leading her to the

sweet," the audience cooed

Ella was settled, Ethan walked towards the piano at the corner of the

they heard the music. Even Ryan's eyes

kid playing the piano so beautifully like

microphone to her lips and took

into the audience with wide eyes but the moment she saw Ryan and Lora smiling and waving at her, her face softened into a confident

share a special poem that I've written," Ella's

didn't expect Ella to add Kingsley

time, Ethan changed the tempo and played a slower piece that was in

her gaze settling on her father, her smile growing as she focused on him. In a clear,

the best Daddy

warm hugs when I feel sad, making me

him, our family is

girl in the world, because

Daddy is my

catch me before I fall, always

feel like the luckiest

I'm so proud to say he's my daddy, every

I love you, Daddy."

line, Ryan was already rushing towards the stage,

hush had fallen over

the place with so