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.

returned with a huge gift bag and

get gifts?"

after," Ryan said before looking at the children and giving them a wave. Ella grinned when she saw Ryan,

what she has planned?" Ryan asked.

responded, "I have no idea. Perhaps she's just happy we are here together to watch them

first PTA meeting!" Ryan whispered just as the

the poems and skits they had prepared. The hall was filled with laughter and applause from proud and happy parents as they watched their children perform. Ryan was nervous for his kids knowing they would have to stand in front of so many people. He kept shifting in his seat and asking Lora if the children would be

and

now Ella's turn to perform. Her brother held her hand

sweet," the audience cooed at the sweet

the piano at the corner of the stage

hall when they heard the

five-year-old kid playing the piano so

the microphone to her lips and took

she saw Ryan and Lora smiling and waving at her, her face softened into a confident

Kingsley, and I would like to share a special poem that I've written," Ella's adorable voice echoed

expect Ella to add Kingsley to her

tempo and played a slower piece that was in line with

at the audience, her gaze settling on her father, her smile growing as she focused on him.

the best Daddy in the

warm hugs when I feel sad, making

family

the happiest girl in the world, because my Daddy is by

is my

catch me before

his love, I feel like the luckiest girl in the

so proud to say he's

I love you, Daddy."

Ella finished the last line, Ryan was already rushing towards the stage, tears

had

the place