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.

huge gift bag and settled in his seat

to get gifts?"

couldn't just watch our kids without something to give them after," Ryan said before looking at the children and giving them a wave.

planned?" Ryan asked. "She looks so

"I have no idea. Perhaps she's just happy we are

PTA meeting!" Ryan whispered just as the place went silent. "I never knew it felt so good to be

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

restlessness and said, "Relax, they will be

perform. Her brother

audience cooed at the

settled, Ethan walked towards the piano at the corner

the hall when they heard the music. Even

five-year-old kid playing the

the microphone to her lips

audience with wide eyes but the moment she saw Ryan and Lora smiling and waving

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

expect Ella to add Kingsley to her surname

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

on her father, her smile growing as she focused on him. In a clear, sweet voice, she

Daddy is the best Daddy

I feel sad, making me feel

our family

world, because

Daddy is my

to catch me before

feel like the luckiest girl in

say he's my daddy,

I love you, Daddy."

last line, Ryan was already rushing towards the stage, tears rolling

hush had fallen

small voice filling the place with so much love