Chapter 409 Unexpected
Edward and I listened to Skylar's singing, trying to match our steps.
At first, we stumbled a bit, but as Skylar's rhythm became more steady, we found our groove.
When Edward stepped with his left foot, I stepped with my right, and vice versa. Our steps became more synchronized, and our pace quickened.
Edward's hand gently wrapped around my waist to keep me balanced. I didn't resist, and a warm, strange feeling spread through my heart.
Just as we were nearing the finish line, a sharp pain shot through my ankle. I must have twisted it in my haste to speed up.
I couldn't help but cry out in pain.
Edward immediately asked, "Diana, what's wrong?"
Gritting my teeth, I replied, "I twisted my ankle. It's fine, let's keep going."
Edward shook his head. "No way, you're hurt. We need to stop."
I crouched down, rubbing my ankle, and said firmly, "No, we can't give up. Skylar's been looking forward to this race. We can't let her down."
Edward looked at me, his eyes filled with worry and pain.
After a moment's hesitation, he quickly moved closer, wrapped an arm around my waist, and lifted me up. I gasped and instinctively grabbed his shoulder, my face flushing.
Holding me securely, Edward couldn't help but remark, "After all these years, you're still so thin."
I looked up at him, and memories flooded back.
I smiled wryly. "I've been raising Skylar alone and managing two companies. There's no way I could gain weight."
Edward's expression softened with a hint of guilt. He whispered in my ear, "I'm sorry. It's my fault for ruining your peaceful life."
Just then, Skylar called out anxiously, "Mommy, Mr. Howard, keep going! We're almost there!"
Edward shouted back, "Skylar, stay close to Dad!"
Hearing him say "Dad," Skylar's eyes lit up, and she excitedly followed closely behind Edward.
Edward, carrying me, began to sprint towards the finish line with determined steps. His breathing grew heavier with the effort.
I leaned against Edward, feeling the warmth of his body. His hair was damp with sweat, a few strands sticking to his forehead, and his once crisp suit was now wrinkled.
I looked up at his determined profile, my heart aching and my eyes welling up.
This Edward, who was giving his all for Skylar and me, was no longer the vibrant, energetic man I remembered.
Now, he was here, fighting so hard to not disappoint Skylar and to support me. How could I not be moved?
I reached out and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling a pang of concern. "Don't push yourself too hard. Let's just do our best."
Edward glanced at me, his eyes resolute. "No, I want to win this race for you and Skylar."
Skylar's excited voice rang out again, "Mommy, Mr. Howard, keep going! We're almost there!"
Edward took a deep breath, as if drawing new strength, and his steps grew larger and faster. I clung to him, feeling the power he was summoning for us.
Other families watched in amazement, some even stopping to cheer us on. The encouragement echoed across the field.
Edward, holding me, crossed the finish line first, like a bolt of lightning.
Once across, Edward collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, sweat pouring down his face and soaking his collar.
But he immediately looked at me, concerned. "Diana, how's your ankle? Does it still hurt a lot?"
Skylar ran over, tears welling in her eyes. "Mommy, does your ankle hurt a lot? It's all my fault. If I hadn't rushed you, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."
Seeing Edward's worried face and Skylar's guilt, my heart warmed. I forced a smile despite the pain. "Skylar, I don't blame you. I'm fine. I just need to rest."
I gave Edward a look, and he quickly understood. He gently patted Skylar's head. "Don't worry, Skylar. Your mommy will be okay."
He carefully lifted my foot, examining the swollen ankle, his brow furrowed. "It looks swollen. We need to get it treated right away."
Ignoring his own exhaustion, Edward picked me up again and headed towards the school nurse's office.
People around us looked on with surprise, envy, and were touched by the tenderness of the moment.
Edward's steps were heavy with fatigue, but each one was steady, as if I were his most precious treasure.
Skylar stayed close, glancing up at me with worry she couldn't hide.
We soon reached the nurse's office.
As the nurse examined my ankle, Edward stood by, watching every move intently, afraid to miss a single detail.
Skylar held my hand tightly, as if trying to transfer her strength to me.
The nurse said, "It's just a sprain. Apply some ice and ointment. No more racing, and don't put any weight on it."
Hearing this, Edward's tense expression relaxed slightly. He took the ice pack from the nurse and gently placed it on my ankle.
"Tell me if it hurts. Don't try to tough it out."
Edward's voice was low and commanding, yet filled with obvious concern.
He focused intently on where the ice pack met my ankle, his entire attention there.
Seeing his serious expression, a different emotion stirred within me.
For so long, I had faced life's challenges alone, used to handling everything myself. This kind of detailed care left me a bit at a loss.
I shook my head lightly. "It doesn't hurt. Don't be so tense."
The ice pack worked, and the pain in my ankle began to subside.
Edward remained in a half-squat, holding the ice pack steadily. His arms started to tremble slightly from the effort.
Seeing this, I quickly said, "You should rest. I can handle it."
Edward didn't listen, frowning. "Stay still. I'll take care of it."
His tone was domineering, yet it warmed my heart.
My thoughts drifted to the past. I used to think his gentle side was long gone or reserved for others. I never imagined that this kind of tender dominance would be directed at me now.
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