CHAPTER 143
ROBERT’S POV
The day was brighter and livelier than ever. White fluffy and cotton-like clouds stretched thinly across the blue sky, the sun peeking out to cast its rays on the school field which was buzzing with excitement.
Colourful banners and balloons were used to decorate every part of the school and some mascots were gambolling around the environment, helping make the kids and parents happier. Loudspeakers blared from the corners of the field, playing loud, upbeat music and occasionally stopping whenever an announcement was to be made.
The students were dressed in their special sports uniforms that represented the houses they belonged red, green, yellow, blue and eagerly waiting to compete. The teachers who were acting as the house masters stood by the sideline assembling, clapping and encouraging the young athletes.
Students who weren’t competing or done competing were seated in a small canopy, each for every house, chatting, taking refreshments or cheering on their participating colleagues. While parents sat on the bleachers still cheering for their kids participating to boost their confidence and let them know they were there for them. Some parents even made shiny placards with their names and pictures.
I didn’t think of that before coming. If I did, then I would have made the largest and most beautiful placards for Liam and Lila or hired a mascot with their faces used as motifs on the mascot’s outfits.
Liam and Lila pleaded with me to come for their school’s sports day. But they didn’t need to plead because who am I to say no to my precious jewels? Nothing on earth will make me miss another important moment in their lives again.
Lily came too. But she was sitting on the other side of the bleacher instead of with me. I got my hopes up a bit thinking there might be a little chance we’d come to the event together and also sit together as a couple. I wanted the entire school to know we were together and I didn’t want some single daddies asking her out, especially the good-looking ones, thinking she was without somebody.
Twisting my lips to a corner, I let out a weak sigh. How could I think she’d agree to sit with me when she still hates me? She was tough like an iron, as unyielding as a fortress wall. Winning her back was the most difficult task I had ever faced. For as long as I have known, getting what I want was never a problem. I could get the most expensive car, house or the most beautiful woman in the world with just the point of a finger. But Lily has humbled me, making me realize that love isn’t something money or power can buy. It’s earned, and I had failed to earn hers when it mattered most. Now, I was regretting my actions with every fibre in my body.
At times, it made me wonder if she ever truly loved me way back in our high school days and while we were married. Because if she did, then she wouldn’t be putting me through this heart-wrenching pain and torture. She’ll realize that I was truly sorry for my mistakes and have turned a new leaf. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t give up on her. On our love. I’ll keep fighting to win her over even if it takes a thousand years to achieve it.
I couldn’t help admiring her even from a distance, tilting my head to get a better view of her. She looked effortlessly stunning as usual in her red boho dress accessorized with a wide-brimmed hat and minimajewelleryry.
While looking at her and admiring her, she unexpectedly turned her head towards my direction and her soft hazel eyes met mine. My breath hitched and all my internals stopped working for a moment as I didn’t expect she’d notice me. But then, she quickly flicked her gaze away like she didn’t see me, making me frown sadly.
It’s been three days since she allowed mto e take the kids to school and bluntly refused for me to take her to work. When I brought the kids back that day, she didn’t come back till I left. However, I didn’t stay long because I knew she’d get mad if I did as she had warned me seriously. The kids had to stay alone and kept raising a clamour for me to bring Nana Mae, their nanny who had been very nice to me.
Out of anger, Lily had said very hurtful things to her and she ended up quitting on her own. The woman was very furious that day. Getting her back at the house won’t be an easy feat. And a part of me felt guilty because it was my fault that happened.
If I hadn’t taken the kids from school and to the house, Lily wouldn’t have lost her temper and said all those hurtful things to Nana Mae that made her leave. This is why I had to find her and plead for her to come back and keep being the kids’ nanny because they loved her very much and Lily might always not be around because of work.
After Lily told me about the ultimatum the kids gave her or rather us, I was severely shaken, thinking they were serious about leaving us forever. But when I asked them about it the day I brought them back from school, they laughed over it and said I shouldn’t worry. Apparently, it was a strategy to try and get Lily to take me back. That was the best thing I heard that day, and I cherish it in my heart even today.
I thought that would make Lily want to work with me to prevent it from happening. But she wasn’t giving me the slightest attention which was weird because she had wanted me to talk to them and get their mind off of it. Wasn’t she interested in knowing how it went?
Sighing, I tried not to fret over it. The kids had been given one week. This was just the fourth day with three days remaining to go. Lily will come around. I know she will. This was something important and she won’t turn a blind eye to it.
I spotted an empty seat beside her. I thought of going over and sitting beside her but had to think again. Her behaviour had become unpredictable. Sometimes, she was vicious like she wanted to kill me. While at other times, it felt like she was holding back on something. I sensed it the day her car broke down. I don’t want her shunning me in front of everyone and creating a scene. I think it’s better I stayed put here.
A voice boomed from the speaker, interrupting my train of thought and pulling me back to reality. It announced the start of the 100m race. I got excited because that was the one Liam was taking part in and also soccer.
I got up to get a better view of him. He and the other athletes were lined up in their respective tracks on the starting line. He looked adorable in his red house sports outfit. Lila belonged in the yellow house. But they didn’t choose their houses on their own accord. It was randomly selected from what they told me. Lila wasn’t participating in any activity because she wasn’t really interested in sports as much as Liam.
Liam spotted me and waved happily at me. He looked in Lily’s direction too as she had gotten up and wouldn’t stop screaming his name. But then, his lips twisted in a frown on seeing we weren’t together.
“On your marks!” The referee shouted as they crouched on a knee, assuming a take-off position.
“Get set!”
“Go!!!” He blew the whistle so hard I saw the veins in his neck bulge.
The athletes like bulls released from a gate took to their heels. However, as Liam was about to take off, one of his feet slipped off the track, sending him crashing hard on the ground.