Chapter 2
The day Cade first attended a parent-teacher conference with Ava was also the day Lakelyn's wedding date was set. In the bustling schoolyard, she called him in tears:
"Cade, I'm so anxious... Should I even be getting married? I feel so terrible... I can barely breathe. Can you come over and stay with me?"
Cade stopped abruptly, still holding Ava's hand, and spoke gently into the phone, trying to calm Lakelyn down, then gave Ava an apologetic look as he let go of her hand.
"Sorry, Ava. Something important came up for Dad. How about we let Mom handle the conference for you?"
Ava stayed quiet, as polite as ever, but the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. Cade gave her a gentle pat on the head before turning to leave, but she tugged on his sleeve.
"Dad, can you sign these for me?"
Ava pulled a tidy stack of test papers from her backpack and handed Cade a pen. Each paper had perfect scores. Cade was taken aback, showering her with praise.
"Our Ava is brilliant, a little whiz kid!"
He added, trying to persuade her, "Sweetie, isn't Mom here? She can sign for you, alright?"
Ava lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes fluttering, and her voice was flat.
"My classmates said it doesn't matter how high I score. I'm just a kid without a dad. I just want you to—"
Meanwhile, Lakelyn's sobs continued over the phone. Cade suddenly crouched down, wrapping Ava in a tight hug. Within thirty seconds, he had quickly signed all ten papers, not even noticing the divorce papers mixed in with them.
After signing, Cade kissed Ava on the forehead. "Next time, Dad will definitely come to your conference. Let's see who dares to bully our Ava then!"
Ava forced a smile for him, just like the first time she heard such a promise. As I watched his retreating figure, I murmured softly to myself.
Cade, you've run out of chances. You'll never get another opportunity.