Chapter 410 Hold Me Tight
Skylar looked up at Edward and suddenly said, "Mr. Howard, you're so good to my mommy. You're even better than the dads of the kids in my class."
Edward's lips curved into a gentle smile as he looked at me and said, "That's because your mommy and you are the most important people to me."
His gaze was sincere and intense, piercing straight into my heart.
I felt a long-closed door inside me gently open, letting in a sliver of light. His tenderness and care were truly for me, and it was so passionate.
My heart skipped a beat, and my cheeks flushed slightly. The emotions that had been buried by time quietly resurfaced at that moment.
After finishing the treatment, I was still immersed in this sudden yet incredibly precious feeling.
Edward had already stood up and was now crouching in front of me again. "Come on, I'll carry you out."
His voice was low, and his stance left no room for refusal.
I hesitated for a moment, glancing at Skylar, who was also looking at me expectantly, then at Edward's broad and reliable back.
Finally, I gently leaned forward. Edward's hands firmly supported the backs of my knees, effortlessly lifting me up in one smooth motion.
"Hold on tight, don't fall."
He turned his head slightly, softly reminding me. His warm breath brushed against my neck, making me shiver slightly, and my face grew even hotter.
Following his instructions, I wrapped my arms around his neck. My fingers accidentally touched his sweat-dampened hair, sending ripples through my heart.
Skylar obediently followed behind us, her small hand tightly clutching Edward's shirt, occasionally looking up at me and then at Edward, her eyes filled with happiness and contentment.
As we walked out of the school nurse's office, the lively scene of the parent-child event continued outside. The laughter and chatter of parents and children filled the air.
But to me, everything around us became a blurred background. My world was now just Edward's steady steps and his strong heartbeat.
Passing children and parents cast envious glances our way, whispering among themselves.
"That man is so considerate."
"Yeah, they look like such a happy family."
These words floated into my ears, stirring a mix of shyness and indescribable sweetness in my heart.
During those days when I faced life's hardships alone, I never imagined there would be a day like this, feeling so safe and warm on the back of a man named Edward.
Edward seemed to sense my change in mood. He slowed his pace slightly and asked softly, "What's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"
I shook my head and gently leaned closer to his ear, whispering, "No, it's just... it feels really nice."
Hearing this, Edward adjusted his grip on me, his steps becoming even more steady and strong.
As we approached the school gate, my eyes caught sight of Alaric, and my heart tightened.
I instinctively patted Edward's shoulder, urgently whispering, "Put me down, Alaric is over there."
Edward paused for a moment, glanced at me, and then frowned slightly. "Your foot's hurt. No way I'm letting you walk."
With that, he tightened his grip and kept moving toward the gate.
At that moment, Alaric spotted us. His face showed a mix of surprise, disappointment, and mostly concern seeing me in Edward's arms.
He quickly walked over, eyes fixed on my injured foot. "Diana, what happened? How'd you get hurt?"
As he spoke, he shot a glare at Edward, as if questioning why he hadn't protected me.
Edward felt Alaric's hostile gaze but stayed calm, adjusting his hold on me, making a silent statement.
I quickly explained, "It's nothing, just twisted it during the race. Really, it's not serious."
Alaric, however, didn't listen. He reached out to check my injury, but Edward blocked him without hesitation, creating instant tension.
Alaric's face darkened. He stepped forward, confronting Edward. "How are you taking care of Diana? She got hurt at a simple sports event!"
Edward frowned, his tone cold but firm. "The accident happened suddenly. I did my best. Your accusations won't change anything."
Their eyes locked, sparks flying. I felt uncomfortable being caught between them, the awkward atmosphere suffocating.
I knew they were both concerned about me, but this intense conflict put me in a difficult position.
Forcing a smile, I said to Alaric, "Alaric, it's not his fault. It was just an accident. Skylar had a great time today. Let's not ruin her mood over this."
I gently pressed Edward's shoulder, signaling him to stop the confrontation.
But the two men remained at an impasse, the tension thick in the air.
Edward suddenly turned to me and asked, "Diana, Skylar, how about we go out for lunch? It's our first time at a parent-child event, so let's celebrate."
I was about to refuse when Skylar jumped up excitedly, waving her hands and shouting, "Yes, I want to go!"
Her bright, expectant eyes were full of anticipation, making it impossible for me to say no.
Feeling a bit conflicted, I looked at Edward, then at Skylar's eager face, and finally nodded slightly. "Alright then."
Alaric's face turned even darker upon hearing our conversation. He looked at me, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something, but he swallowed his words.
Edward, seeing my agreement, smiled faintly and turned to Alaric, politely saying, "Why don't you join us? The more, the merrier."
Alaric snorted, glancing at Edward with disdain. "No, you go ahead. I have work to do."
He then looked at me, his eyes filled with worry. "Diana, if you need anything, call me."
I nodded, feeling a bit uneasy.
Edward carried me towards the parking lot, with Skylar happily bouncing along beside us.
Alaric stood there, watching us leave. I couldn't see his expression.
As Edward opened the car door, he glanced back at Alaric, a hint of subtle triumph in his eyes.