Her Return, His Regret

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.

Luckily, Ryan returned with a huge gift bag and settled in his seat before the performances started.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"You went to get gifts?" Lora asked.

"I asked Lawrence to bring 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 when she saw Ryan, her face glowing with excitement.

"Do you know what she has planned?" Ryan asked. "She looks so happy."

Lora shook her head and responded, "I have no idea. Perhaps she's just happy we are here together to watch them perform."

"I'm excited too... This is my first PTA meeting!" Ryan whispered just as the place went silent. "I never knew it felt so good to be someone's father."

Soon, the 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 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 ok.

Lora chuckled at his restlessness and said, "Relax, they will be fine."

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

"Aww, so sweet," the audience cooed at the sweet gesture.

After making sure Ella was settled, Ethan walked towards the piano at the corner of the stage and began to play.

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

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

Ella held the microphone to her lips and took a deep breath.

She looked out 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 smile.

"My name is Ella Davis Kingsley, and I would like to share a special poem that I've written," Ella's adorable voice echoed through the hall.

Ryan and Lora shared surprised glances. They didn't expect Ella to add Kingsley to her surname on her own.

At the same time, Ethan changed the tempo and played a slower piece that was in line with Ella's poem.

Ella looked out at the audience, her gaze settling on her father, her smile growing as she focused on him. In a clear, sweet voice, she began:

"My Daddy is the best Daddy in the world,

He gives me warm hugs when I feel sad, making me feel safe.

With him, our family is finally complete,

And I'm the happiest girl in the world, because my Daddy is by my side.

My Daddy is my hero,

He's there to catch me before I fall, always protecting me,

With his love, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world,

And I'm so proud to say he's my daddy, every single day.

I love you, Daddy."

As Ella finished the last line, Ryan was already rushing towards the stage, tears rolling down his cheeks.

A hush had fallen over the

auditorium, Ella's small voice filling the place with so much love and

sincerity that even the other parents were visibly moved.

Ryan got onto the stage and presented a bouquet of roses to his little girl and the audience erupted into a warm round of applause.

Ella grinned as she got the flowers and Ryan carried her, twirling her around, saying, "Daddy loves you more, my Princess."

He placed Ella on his hip before motioning for Ethan to join them.

Ethan rushed towards his father and hugged his waist.

Ryan's tears flowed down his cheeks effortlessly.

What did he do to deserve these two?

He swallowed, his expression a mix of pride, awe and love.

Ella smiled, feeling a little shy as she held her bouquet of roses.

The audience continued to clap until

they got down the stage. Lora couldn't help but shed a tear while in the audience, letting the father and children bond.

Seeing her children so happy was satisfying.

Later on their way back, Ryan glanced at Ella and said, "Thank you, princess. I loved your poem. And Ethan, that piece was excellent. Well done, son!"

Ella beamed while seated in the backseat of the car, shyly playing with her bouquet while Ethan held the gift his father had bought for him. It was a smartwatch forkids and he loved it very much.

"Did you really like the poem, Daddy?" Ella asked.

"Like it?" Ryan remarked. "I loved it so much! I'll remember it forever!"

Ella grinned, her face lighting up with pride. Ethan smirked, his sister's smile making him happy too.

Lora's heart felt full and warm... she glanced over at Ryan as he drove the car, her heart fluttering. Giving him a second chance was worth it.