?<strong>Chapter 355:</strong>


    Adrian’s spirits deted slightly. “Understood.” He realized that matters of remarriage required time and delicate handling. At present, his priority was to strengthen his bond with Aurora.


    Joelle, still concerned, raised another point. “Don’t you think it’s odd? Aurora knows you’re her real father, yet she continues to call you Mr. Miller.”


    This question made Adrian introspective. He acknowledged quietly, “Rafael still upies arge part of her heart.” He recognized the need for patience and realized he must not only match Rafael’s ce in Aurora’s life but perhaps even surpass it to genuinely earn her recognition.


    The following morning, Joelle returned home with the children after breakfast. The day of the sports day soon arrived. Each family arrived in coordinated sports gear. Adrian, wearing a pink polo shirt selected by Aurora, attracted a small smile from Joelle.


    “What’s funny?” Adrian queried, assuming Aurora chose the pink believing he could carry off the color well, though it was admittedly more youthful than his usual style.


    “Nothing,” Joelle responded with a light chuckle, handing him two red ribbons. “Let’s get ready.”


    They lined up for the first event, a three-legged race. Aurora, taking thepetition seriously, stretched her wrists and ankles, her gaze locked on Chuck nearby. “Chuck, if I win today, you owe me an apology! Otherwise, we’re done ying together.”


    Chuck snapped back confidently, “I’m not scared!”


    Meanwhile, Chuck’s parents were busy making amends to Adrian and Joelle, aware of Aurora’s notable lineage. Before the race started, they approached Adrian with eager expressions. “Mr. Miller, please, don’t worry. We won’t vie for the top spot.”


    Chuck, upset by this, protested, “Why not?”


    “Quiet, Chuck!” his mother hissed.


    Joelle, who always preferred fairness over favor, chimed in, “Everyone should try their best. We’re here topete fairly, no matter the oue.”


    Adrian, keeping his cool, added, “Let’s see everyone’s best effort.”


    “Yes, of course.”


    With the stage set, the kindergarten teacher signaled the start. Adrian and Joelle, poised and determined, were ready to sprint. Adrian, in particr, had prepared rigorously, aiming to make asting impression on Aurora at this event.


    The whistle blew, sending the eight teams dashing forward amid the crowd’s cheers. But, in aedic turn, Adrian, Joelle, and Aurora stumbled and fell right at the starting line.


    “Ow, my butt!” Joelle, half-amused and half-frustrated, joked to Adrian, “Don’t hold us back!”


    “You two are too slow.”


    “If you think we’re slow, why not run a marathon?” Joelle quipped as she dusted herself off and stood up, taking Aurora’s hand in hers. “Follow my lead, everyone. Let’s walk together!” “Left, right.”


    Their spirits lifted, the trio quickly caught up from the back of the pack. They finished the race in second ce—not first, but still a proud achievement that qualified them for the next round.


    After the race, as they rested, they walked past the area where the senior sspetition was underway, with Dunn and his family preparing for their turn. Aurora cheered loudly for them. On the field, Dunn was a picture of concentration, grasping Gracie’s hand on one side and Fred’s on the other.


    “Dad, Mom, let’s stay in sync. We need to keep our pace even to make progress.”


    Gracie, clearly anxious, apologized, “Sorry, son. It seems your dad and I are holding you back.”


    “It’s okay, we’re just getting warmed up. Once we finish thisp, we’ll have them beat. We can’t just stand here while everyone else finishes.” Dunn shook his head with a smile.


    Fred patted Dunn’s head, clearly touched. “You’re doing great, son. I’ll promise you an MVP award at your next basketball game!”


    “Dad, there’s no basketball game today.”


    Fred’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Well, then, I’ll have to talk to your principal about that! How can it be a sports day without basketball?”


    Back in the stands, Adrian’s family settled in to watch the rest of the events. Leah passed around towels and water bottles, her excitement barely containable. “Aurora, take a break!”


    Aurora energetically stretched her legs, preparing for the uing events. “I’m going to win lots of first ces today!”


    Joelle couldn’t help but smile, her gaze shifting to Katherine, who was seated behind them, gently bouncing Rnd on herp while he waved his little hand cheerfully.


    Just then, Michael and Lacey arrived, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. By noon, everyone congregated for lunch. Leah had packed sandwiches and rice balls, which they enjoyed together. Aurora proudly wore her gold medal from the three-legged race, beaming with pride.


    Suddenly, an announcement boomed through the loudspeakers about ast-minute addition to the day’s events—a three-on-three basketball game for dads scheduled for the afternoon, inviting teams to sign up.


    Adrian and Michael exchanged knowing looks, clearly eager to participate. “We’re still one yer short, though,” Katherine chimed in. “Maybe ask another dad to join?”


    Joelle gave a wry smile. Their seating area was somewhat isted; everyone around knew who Adrian was, and few dared approach, let alonepete against him in a basketball game. The risk of upsetting him, or worse, facing the embarrassment of a loss, deterred them.


    Seeing no volunteers, Katherine turned to Aurora with a sympathetic look. “Sweetheart, it looks like we might not be able to join this one.”


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