Chapter 37 Edward's Explanation
Edward noticed the sudden change in my expression and worry flashed in his eyes. He quickly tried to explain, "Diana, please, let me explain. I never meant to keep this from you. Ever since I started volunteering at the mental health clinic, seeing the pain caused by broken families, I realized how much I had lost. I've always wanted to help kids with psychological issues, just like I would have wanted to help my younger self. I don't want Skylar to grow up missing out on family love like I did. My longing for Skylar has only grown stronger, Diana, I want to start over and give you and Skylar a complete family."
I didn't want to hear Edward's explanation.
But once Edward started, he couldn't seem to stop. "I didn't know how to face you both. I could only sneak a look at Skylar on her way to school. Every time I saw her tiny figure from afar, I felt a bit more at ease. I swear, I never did anything to disrupt your lives other than quietly following."
"Enough!" Lila interrupted Edward, her face full of anger as she questioned him, "Edward, what is this? Sneaking around, does that make you feel good?"
Edward lowered his head, full of regret, his voice trembling slightly. "I know I was wrong, Lila. I've been reflecting on myself. I've let Diana down, and I've let Skylar down even more. I thought leaving would make things simpler, but I couldn't suppress my longing for Skylar. I just wanted to know if she was eating well, sleeping well, and happy at kindergarten."
I looked at Edward's remorseful face and spoke coldly, "Edward, have you ever thought about what it would mean for Skylar if your stalking was discovered? Have you forgotten the last time you hurt her? She's still so young. If she gets hurt again because of you, can you bear that responsibility?"
Edward lifted his head, his eyes full of earnestness. He said, "Diana, I couldn't help myself today and got a bit closer. I know it sounds like an excuse, but I really want to be part of Skylar's life again and make up for my past mistakes."
At that moment, Skylar tugged at my hand, looking confused as she asked, "Mom, what's wrong with this man? Why do you all look so unhappy?"
I squatted down, forcing a smile as I spoke to Skylar. "Sweetie, it's nothing. He just has a little misunderstanding with me."
As I hesitated on how to comfort Skylar, suddenly, two urgent calls came from not far away: "Diana!" "Lila!"
I looked up to see Alaric and Lucas rushing toward us, their faces full of concern.
Alaric reached us first, stepping in front of Skylar and me, shielding us protectively as he glared at Edward.
Lucas also walked over to Lila, gently taking her hand to comfort her.
"What are you all doing here?" I asked, a mix of surprise and joy in my voice.
Lucas frowned, looking at Lila with worry in his eyes. He said, "Lila sensed someone was following her and messaged me. I was worried I couldn't handle it alone, so I contacted Alaric. We came over as quickly as we could. I didn't expect it to be Edward."
Alaric spoke with a polite yet clearly distant tone. "Mr. Howard, it's been a while! What's going on here? You're giving my girlfriend and Skylar a scare!"The atmosphere was getting pretty tense.
"Alaric, chill out," Lucas said quickly, trying to calm things down. "Let's hear him out."
He turned to Edward, his voice firm. "What exactly are you planning?"
Edward looked uncomfortable, lowering his head a bit. "I just wanted to see Diana and Skylar, that's all," he said.
Alaric stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Skylar and me. "After all the harm you've caused Diana, you still have the nerve to say that?"
Lucas's face was cold as he added, "Edward, your behavior today isn't normal. Sneaking around, what are you trying to do?"
Edward stammered, trying to explain again. "I didn't mean to. I just miss Skylar too much."
Hearing this, Alaric let out a cold laugh. "If you miss Skylar, you can say it openly. Why sneak around? I'm warning you, Diana and Skylar have finally found some peace. Don't come and mess it up." He waved his fist for emphasis.
Lucas continued, "Edward, we don't want to revisit the past, but you need to think about the present. Skylar has her own life now. If you truly love her, don't let your selfishness disrupt her happiness."
Edward's face flushed, his voice heavy with emotion. "I just want to be a responsible father, to be part of Skylar's life again, and to be a good dad."
Alaric frowned, looking between Skylar and me before saying, "You can't just make amends like that. Whether Diana and Skylar choose to accept you is up to them, not just your decision."
At this moment, Skylar peeked out from behind Alaric, looking at Edward and then at Alaric, saying in her sweet, childlike voice, "Mr. Howard, don't make Mommy unhappy. Alaric is really good to me and Mommy."
As Alaric heard this, his tense expression relaxed, revealing a hint of tenderness. He glanced at Skylar, who was hiding behind him, his eyes full of affection.
Straightening up, Alaric seemed to gain confidence from Skylar's words, looking at Edward with a mix of pride and challenge.
Edward trembled slightly at Skylar's words, his eyes filled with sadness. But he forced himself to stay strong, saying to Skylar, "Skylar, I understand. I won't do it again."
The breeze on the street carried a slight chill.
This unexpected encounter had become even more complicated with Alaric and Lucas's arrival. Edward's wish to be a part of Skylar's life seemed even more unattainable after her comments about Alaric.
However, Alaric's protective stance, though well-intentioned, made me feel a bit suffocated.
I shifted slightly, trying to create some distance, and said softly, "Alaric, I can handle this."
But Alaric, as if not hearing me, continued to glare at Edward with hostility. "Diana, don't be soft-hearted. He made Skylar go missing before. Who knows what he's planning now."
His firm tone left no room for doubt, but his words reminded me of painful memories I didn't want to revisit, making me feel uneasy.
Lila seemed to notice my discomfort. She gently tugged on Lucas's sleeve, giving him a look.
Lucas immediately understood Lila's intention, stepping forward with a cheerful smile to ease the tension. He said, "Alright, let's not be so confrontational. Let's talk this out calmly."
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