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 settled

to get

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

what she has planned?"

head and responded, "I have no idea. Perhaps she's just happy

meeting!" Ryan whispered just as the place went

kids began to perform 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

restlessness and said, "Relax,

turn to perform. Her brother held her hand

audience cooed

the piano at the corner of the stage

echoed around the hall when they heard the music. Even Ryan's eyes widened

five-year-old kid playing the piano so

microphone to her lips and took

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

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

didn't expect Ella to add Kingsley to her surname

tempo and played a slower

her smile growing as

Daddy is the best

warm hugs when I

him, our family

world, because my Daddy is by

Daddy is

catch me before I fall, always protecting

feel like the luckiest girl in the

so proud to say he's my

I love you, Daddy."

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

hush had fallen

voice filling the