Her Return, His Regret
Chapter 82~ Meeting Ella and Ethan

"Are you sure about this, sweetheart?" Freya Davis asked Lora. "You don't need to be forced to introduce the twins to him... the Davis family is very much capable of raising them and they've been doing fine without the help of the Kingsleys.' Lora smiled, warmth spreading through her heart at her mother's words. She glanced at the twins who were waiting in the living room and sighed.

"I know, Mom. But... Ryan is their father. I think it's only right that they get to know who their father is," Lora replied. "Ryan also deserves to be part of their lives if he wants to."

Since Ivy Williams was now a fugitive of the law, Lora and Ryan agreed that he would meet the children from the Davis mansion. Ryan had deployed a full security team to surround the Davis mansion. No one was allowed to go in and out without clearance. So, at the moment, it was the safest place for Lora and the children to be.

Freya frowned, knowing the courage it took for Lora to do this. However, she wasn't for the idea. Ryan was a man who once caused Lora so much pain.

If it were up to her, she would want Lora to stay as far away from him as possible to avoid reopening old wounds.

Freya hesitated a bit before asking, "Do you plan to get back together with him?"

"No, Mom... I've already moved on with my life," Lora replied.

Freya's eyes lit up. She remarked, "Right? That's great! Jason is a nice young man... bring him home for dinner one of these days."

Even though Ryan was part of a powerful family, Freya didn't want her daughter to be entangled with him again. After all, he never appreciated her when they were living together as husband and wife.

She recalled how Lora fell into depression after they saved her from the warehouse. Ryan had deeply hurt her daughter and Freya didn't want her to have anything to do with him. Freya was very protective of her daughter, this time around, no one would have the chance to hurt her again.

Regardless, she didn't want to get in the way of her daughter's choice to let Ryan into his children's lives.

She sighed heavily and added, "I'll try to be nice when Ryan comes... however, I do not approve of your relationship, in case you want to get back together."

"Come on, Mom. Can we not talk about this? The twins seem excited to meet their father... let's focus on that," Lora responded and Freya relented.

"Fine... but I don't think Ryan will be safe with your father here. I would keep an eye on him if I were you," Freya uttered and Lora giggled.

"It would serve him right."

Meanwhile, while seated in the living room, Ethan was cautioning his little sister.

"Ella, I know you're excited to meet Daddy, but meeting him doesn't mean we've become a complete family. He has to make Mommy happy first," Ethan said, his voice serious and determined.

Ella furrowed her eyebrows and asked. "But he's our daddy, why won't we become a complete family?"

Ethan sighed, shaking his little head before replying, "Listen, Daddy was away from us for a long time. We can't just let him think that we will accept him right away. He needs to beg Mommy for forgiveness and make her very happy. He also needs to show us that he cares and that he won't go away again."

Ella's eyes rounded. She looked at her brother and asked, "So if he makes Mommy happy, will he stay with us forever?"

Ethan stroked his chin, a thoughtful look on his face before he replied, "Yes... but only if he deserves it."

"Yay! Daddy will stay with us forever!" Ella happily squeaked, bouncing lightly while seated on the couch.

Lora walked into the living and saw Ella happily bouncing on the couch while looking at the doors. She smiled and asked, "Are you that excited to meet your father?" "Yes!" Ella exclaimed. "Is he going to stay with us from now on?"

Lora's smile froze. She didn't know how to answer that question. However, the doorbell suddenly rang and she let out a sigh of relief. "That must be your daddy."

"I'll open it," Freya offered, worry creeping into her. She was still in doubt about this but she had to respect her daughter's decision.

When she opened the door, she found Ryan standing outside with gift bags in his hands.

Ryan smiled, his heart beating like a drum. He was so nervous. However, he couldn't wait to meet the twins.

He lifted his hands and said, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Davis, I didn't want to come empty-handed so I brought a few things. I hope you don't mind."

Although Freya didn't like Ryan, she took the gifts and stepped away for him to enter. She remarked, "You're welcome."

Ryan smiled and walked into the mansion. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the two children who were looking at him in the living room.

At that moment, Ryan believed that

it was possible to love someone you just met anconditionally. These two little kids were his and Lora's... the cute little girl resembled her mother so much and the boy looked like him.

What did he do to deserve such a huge blessing?

His heart melted and he knew right there and then, these children were a part of him. He didn't need to do a DNA test.

Lora glanced at Ryan and said, "Ryan, this is-"

"Ella and Ethan," Ryan uttered, his voice hoarse as he fought back his tears. "Our children."

Ryan approached the kids slowly, not wanting to scare them. He got down on his knees to be at eye level with them before saying, "Hi... it's nice to finally meet you."

His eyes watered with tears when he saw how the kids were looking at him as though he was a stranger. 'My kids don't even know me...'

Ryan's heart clenched. This was all his fault... if only he could turn back time, he would do anything and everything in his power to make sure he was present in his children's lives. Pushing those thoughts aside, he smiled and introduced himself, "My name is Ryan Kingsley and I'm your-"

"Daddy!"

Before Ryan could tell what was happening, Ella had thrown herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Daddy, I missed you so much."

She looked back at her brother and added, "I'm sorry, Ethan. I couldn't help it."

Ethan rolled his eyes. He knew that his sister would mess things up. Couldn't she play hard to get for once?

At the same time, Ryan's heart leapt

with joy when Ella hugged and called him Daddy. He got to his feet, carrying her. Looking at her, he exclaimed, "Yes, Ella. I'm your Daddy!"

When he saw how Ethan just stood there with a pout on his lips, Ryan got closer and scooped the boy up in his arms before giving him a kiss on the forehead. He said, "I'm sorry it took me so long to replace you guys... but promise, I'll do my very best to always be there for you."