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.

and settled in his seat before the

to get gifts?"

without something to give them after," Ryan said before looking at the children and giving them a wave.

what she has planned?" Ryan asked. "She looks

idea. Perhaps

my first PTA meeting!" Ryan whispered just as the

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 kids knowing they would have to stand in front of so many people. He kept shifting in his seat and asking Lora if

at his restlessness and said, "Relax, they will be

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

the audience cooed

towards the piano at

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

was this five-year-old kid playing the piano so beautifully like an

held the microphone to her

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

I would like to share a special

Ella to add Kingsley to her surname on her

Ethan changed the tempo and played a

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

Daddy is the best Daddy

gives me warm hugs when I feel sad, making me

him, our family is finally

girl in the world, because my Daddy is by my

is my

to catch me before

like the

say he's my daddy,

I love you, Daddy."

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

had fallen over

filling the place