Chapter 407 Skylar's Choice
Alaric realized that Edward showing up might mean he'd lose his chance to hang out with me and Skylar. His smile wavered, and a flicker of caution crossed his eyes.
He instinctively stepped closer to Skylar and me, like he was staking a claim.
Edward, on the other hand, didn't even acknowledge Alaric. His eyes were locked on me with an intensity that felt like it could burn right through me. I couldn't bring myself to look back at him.
"Diana, I know I showed up out of the blue, but I don't want to miss any more of Skylar growing up. I swear I won't screw up this time," Edward said, his voice a mix of pleading and determination.
Alaric frowned and couldn't help but chime in, "Mr. Howard, your outfit seems a bit off for today. This is Skylar's first sports day, after all."
Though he was polite, there was a clear undertone of dismissal.
Edward glanced down at his suit, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face, but he quickly shook it off. "Yeah, I didn't think that through, but it doesn't change the fact that I want to be here for Skylar."
He looked at Skylar, his eyes filled with tenderness and guilt.
Skylar, sensing the tension, clung to my clothes and looked between the two men, her voice small and uncertain. "Mommy, what's going on with Mr. Kingsley and Mr. Howard?"
I gently patted Skylar's hand, trying to calm her. "Don't worry, sweetheart. They're just talking."
Despite my calm exterior, my mind was racing, unsure how to handle this sudden situation.
The other parents' stares grew more intense, and their whispers got louder.
"What's with this woman? Two men fighting over her here?"
"Yeah, she already has a kid and still can't make up her mind."
Their harsh words made my cheeks burn with embarrassment, and I could feel the redness spreading to my ears.
Both Alaric and Edward looked at me expectantly, waiting for my response.
Just as I was at a loss, Skylar suddenly grabbed Edward's hand.
All three of us—Alaric, Edward, and I—were stunned, our faces full of confusion.
Skylar's clear voice broke the silence. "I want Mr. Howard to join me."
"Skylar, why? Don't you want to win first place with me?" Alaric asked, struggling to understand her choice.
"Mr. Kingsley is great, but Mr. Howard looks like me. The other kids will think my dad is racing with me," Skylar explained.
Her choice left me momentarily speechless, completely unprepared for this turn of events. I looked between Alaric and Edward, trying to gauge their reactions.
Alaric's expression froze, his hopeful eyes clouded with undeniable sadness. His lips trembled as if he wanted to say something, but Skylar's innocent yet firm words stopped him.
Edward, on the other hand, looked like he was about to burst with joy. Tears shimmered in his eyes, and a genuine, albeit awkward, smile spread across his face.
He knelt down to Skylar's level, his voice trembling. "Skylar, you really want me to join you?"
Skylar nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up with pure joy as she held Edward's hand tightly, proudly announcing her choice to everyone around.
I glanced at Alaric, wanting to comfort him, but his forlorn look stopped me.
Edward stood up, holding Skylar's hand firmly. He looked at Alaric with a hint of triumph in his eyes. "Looks like Skylar wants me with her. Don't worry, I'll make sure she has a great time today."
As he spoke, he gently patted Skylar's shoulder, signaling their special bond to everyone around.
Alaric quickly regained his warm smile.
He stepped forward and extended his hand to Edward. "Congrats on getting the chance to be with Skylar. It's a bit disappointing for me, but I genuinely hope you both have a wonderful time and create beautiful memories."
Alaric's sincerity made it hard to see the sadness he was hiding.
Edward hesitated for a moment, surprised by Alaric's graciousness, then shook his hand. "Thanks for taking care of them. I'll make sure to do my part from now on."
Edward and Skylar walked towards the sports area, their retreating figures a painful sight for Alaric and a tug at my heart.
Alaric's gaze followed them, his smile still in place but unable to hide the sadness in his eyes. He seemed determined not to give up easily in this emotional battle.
I looked at Alaric, unsure whether to say something.
He took a deep breath and looked at me with determination. "Diana."
His voice was soft but filled with an intensity I hadn't heard before. I met his gaze, seeing both his disappointment and his unwavering resolve.
"Skylar's choice today, I respect it. But my feelings for you won't change. I'll keep waiting until you understand your own heart. No matter how long it takes, I won't give up."
Alaric's words touched me deeply, leaving me both moved and conflicted.
The sounds of children laughing and parents chatting faded into the background. I looked at Alaric, my throat too dry to speak.
Alaric paused, then continued, "I'll prove with my actions that I can give you and Skylar a stable future. Even if I can't join Skylar today, I'll be cheering for you both."
The announcement for the first event of the sports day echoed through the speakers.
Alaric gave me a gentle smile, full of warmth. "Go be with Skylar. I'll be here waiting."
With that, he turned and found a spot in the corner, standing quietly, his eyes never leaving Skylar and me, silently declaring his unwavering commitment.
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