?Chapter 443:


    Sadie’s head jerked up, her heart suddenly racing as she met his gaze. “What are you talking about? That’s not an appropriate question.”


    She turned away and strode to the waiting area. Noah watched her go without protest, a meaningful smile ying on his lips. He waited for a few moments before following her.


    The games had alreadymenced by the time he sat down next to her.


    Sadie was settled in the parents’ area, her eyes fixed on Averi as she tried to swallow the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her.


    Then, Noah plopped down beside her, making her tense up even more.


    Today’s event included a family interaction section.


    Sadie looked at the handbook in her hand and read the rules for the umpteenth time. She had never been good at public activities like this.


    She had considered not participating, but she couldn’t bear to disappoint Averi, not when he had such an expectant look on his face.


    Averi ran over to her and took her hand. “Mom!” he said, hopping in excitement. “Let’s y a game together!”


    Just like that, Sadie’s fears melted away. She ran a hand through the boy’s soft hair and smiled. “Sure.”


    Noah lingered on the sidelines, observing the interaction between Sadie and Averi, an unintentional smile forming on his face.


    “In this game, parents will carry their kids and hop toward the finish line,” Betsey announced through a loudspeaker.


    Sadie inhaled deeply, crouching down so Averi could climb onto her back. “Hold on tight, sweetheart.”


    “Okay!” Averi eagerly wrapped his arms around Sadie’s neck, his small body pressing against her back, basking in her warmth. “Ready, set, go!”


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    The whistle pierced the air, and the parents, clutching their children, sprang forward with determination.


    Despite not being athletic, Sadie pushed herself for Averi’s sake.


    Noah trailed closely, his focus fixed on Sadie, a flicker of worry in his eyes. “Go, Mommy! Go, Mr. Wall!” Averi shouted excitedly, waving his tiny hands in encouragement.


    Sadie gritted her teeth, sweat trickling down her forehead, refusing to slow down.


    Atst, they crossed the finish line.


    Averi bounced up and down with excitement. “Mommy, we won!” Sadie panted, but satisfaction radiated through her smile.


    As thepetition continued, they worked in perfect sync, dominating each round.


    The final challenge was the “Three-Legged Race.”


    Sadie and Noah stood side by side, their ankles securely bound.


    “Stay in rhythm with each other,” Betsey reminded thepeting parents.


    “Understood.”


    Sadie and Noah exchanged a determined look.


    “Ready, set, go!”


    At the sound of the whistle, they cautiously moved forward.


    Initially, their movements were clumsy, nearly causing them to stumble.


    “Watch out!” Noah steadied Sadie by gripping her waist.


    Her heartbeat quickened, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. “Thank you.”


    “You’re wee,” he murmured, his voice low and gentle.


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