A Portrait of Us
Description and Episode 1
Noah Rivera a 25, is a humble and optimistic Omega working as an art teacher at Veridian Elementary. He dreams of showcasing his paintings in galleries but remains grounded. An omega and living in a modest apartment in the quieter district of Veridian
Aiden Blake, 28, is the charismatic and influential CEO of Blake Enterprises, a global corporation in real estate and renewable energy and he is an alpha. He was born into a prestigious family, he is admired for his business acumen but values loyalty and hard work above status. After his childhood best friend’s death, Aiden adopted Lily, revealing a softer side to the public. He lives in a luxury penthouse in Veridian.
Lily Evans, 6, is Aiden’s adopted daughter and a Beta. Imaginative and lively, she has a boundless curiosity that lights up every room she enters. Despite losing her biological parents, she serves as Aiden’s emotional anchor, bringing joy and hope to his life. Lily bonds with Noah, drawn to his creativity, and often encourages Aiden to open his heart. She dreams of becoming an artist. She resides in Veridian she's living with her dad(Blake).
The rain had been falling relentlessly all morning, blurring the glass windows of Blake Enterprises. Aiden sat behind his sleek desk, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the surface as his mind raced. Despite the success of his latest project, there was a nagging feeling that wouldn’t go away—a hollow space that wealth and power could not fill. He glanced at the photo frame on his desk, a picture of Lily smiling, her arms outstretched as if trying to catch the rain. She had been his anchor ever since he adopted her, but even her presence couldn't banish the growing loneliness he felt.
Blake’s secretary knocked softly at the door of his office.
Aiden looked up from his papers, his brow furrowing slightly at the interruption.
He replied, trying to mask the exhaustion in his tone.
The door creaked open, and the secretary stepped inside, holding a folder in her hands
Leah (Secretary)
I have the updated reports you requested
She said, placing the folder on his desk.
Aiden nodded, his eyes momentarily flickering to the folder before returning to his laptop
Aiden Blake
Thank you. Is there anything else?
The secretary hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her gaze flicking to the photo of Lily on his desk
Leah (Secretary)
Actually, sir, there’s something else. I... I know this is a personal matter, but I thought you might want to know. There’s a charity event happening next week, and they’ve sent an invitation for you and Lily. It could be a good opportunity for some public exposure... and well, for you to spend some time with her outside of the usual routine.
Aiden’s gaze shifted from the laptop to the secretary, his expression unreadable. He didn’t like public events, especially not those centered around his family. But the idea of spending time with Lily outside their usual quiet moments at home was tempting. He glanced at the invitation sitting on his desk from the charity, then looked back at the secretary.
Aiden Blake
I’ll think about it
He said, his voice a little more distant than he intended. He was already picturing the event, the cameras, the questions. But there was something about it that made him uneasy.
The secretary nodded and gave a small smile.
Leah (Secretary)
of course, sir. I’ll leave you to it then.
As she turned to leave, Aiden leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. His thoughts drifted back to Lily, and the thought of her growing up in this world of expectations, of wealth, of power—it made him feel like he was holding her too tightly, even as he tried to protect her.
He glanced at the clock. It was still early, and he could hear the soft tapping of raindrops against the windows. He needed a break, a moment of clarity. Without thinking, he grabbed his jacket and stood up.
Episode 2
Across town, Noah was wrapping up his day. The classroom was quiet now, the sounds of children’s chatter replaced by the soft hum of the fluorescent lights. He smiled to himself as he cleaned his supplies. Teaching wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding. He always found joy in seeing his students’ faces light up when they finished their projects. But despite his contentment with his job, there was still that part of him—quiet but persistent—that longed for more. He had dreams of his own, and yet, the reality of bills and rent seemed to always get in the way
He glanced out the window, noticing the rain starting to fall harder. It was one of those evenings when the world outside seemed to mirror his mood—calm, but heavy with unspoken thoughts.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the silence. He pulled it out, and his heart gave a small skip when he saw the message. It was from Lily—his little muse, the bright spot in his otherwise quiet life. She had sent him a drawing, just like the ones she always did after school.
Noah chuckled softly as he opened the image. It was a picture of him, sketching under the tree in the park. She’d drawn it perfectly, capturing the way his hand held the pencil, the light filtering through the leaves above. A small message accompanied it: “You’re a great artist, Mr. Rivera! I hope you like it! – Lily”
Noah smiled to himself, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. Despite the struggles of his everyday life, moments like these made everything worthwhile
Aiden stepped out into the rain, the chill in the air grounding him. He needed to clear his head. After a few moments of walking through the rain-soaked streets, he found himself heading toward the park—the same park where he had taken Lily earlier.
Noah was already outside the school; it was lunchtime, and he hadn't brought any food with him. He decided to buy something from a nearby stall, holding the paper bag tightly in his hand and a umbrella as he made his way back to school.
As he walked down the street, the warm smell of freshly cooked food wafted in the air, tempting him. He wasn’t used to indulging in takeout, but today felt different
He found a quiet bench near the entrance of the school, unpacking his meal.
As Noah sat down, he unwrapped the paper bag, revealing a simple but comforting meal: a hot sandwich with crispy fries on the side. The smell of the food made his stomach rumble, and he smiled softly, grateful for the little indulgence. He hadn’t had much time to take care of himself lately, between lessons and his personal dreams that always seemed to take a backseat.
The quiet of the bench was soothing, and as he took his first bite, he allowed himself to savor the moment. No rush. No expectations. Just the sound of the rain in the distance and the gentle murmur of life around him.
A few students passed by, laughing and chatting, but Noah didn’t mind the noise. It felt like a world apart from the busy, crowded corridors of the school. He could hear the rhythm of their footsteps, the occasional shout or playful teasing.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting his thoughts. He reached for it, expecting a message from one of his students or perhaps a friend. Instead, it was a notification from an art gallery, a reminder of the submission deadline for an upcoming exhibition. His heart sank slightly. He knew he wouldn’t have the time to prepare anything substantial—his dreams of showcasing his art seemed to be slipping further out of reach.
Episode 3
As Noah was eating, he noticed a man standing not far from him. The man was drenched, clearly caught in the rain without an umbrella, the water dripping off his clothes.
Noah Rivera
💭 Is there a problem, or did he just not have an umbrella?
Noah thought to himself, a sense of concern bubbling up.
He glanced at the man again, wondering if he should offer some help. But then, the practical side of him hesitated. He didn’t know the guy, and he wasn’t exactly in a position to be playing the hero. Still, the sight of someone clearly uncomfortable in the rain tugged at his heart.
Noah quickly finished his meal, the thought of the stranger still lingering in his mind. Should he offer his own umbrella or just mind his business and leave?
Noah sat there for a moment, his eyes flickering back to the man who was still standing a few feet away, drenched and looking lost in the downpour. The rain wasn’t letting up, and the man seemed to be getting more soaked by the second. His clothes clung to him, his posture slightly slouched as if he was resigned to being caught in the storm.
He wasn’t the type to ignore someone in need, even if he didn’t know them. He stood up slowly, the remnants of his lunch bag crumpling in his hand as he walked toward the man, his umbrella tucked under his arm.
Noah Rivera
Hey, you’re going to catch a cold standing out here like that
Noah called out, his voice tentative but firm
Aiden looked at him with an unreadable expression.
His voice low and challenging.
Noah blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sharpness in Aiden's tone. He hadn’t expected the confrontation, especially not so soon after the rain had started.
Noah Rivera
I— *he began, trying to find the right words, but his mind raced, unsure how to respond*
Aiden Blake
You're staring *raising an eyebrow, as if daring Noah to explain himself*
Noah quickly looked away, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.
Noah Rivera
Sorry, I just... you looked like you needed help *feeling a bit foolish*
Aiden's expression softened for a moment, but only just.
Aiden Blake
I don’t need your pity *though his voice lacked the usual edge*
Noah bit his lip, unsure whether to press further or just leave the situation alone.
Noah Rivera
I wasn’t offering pity
Noah Rivera
Just... an umbrella
Aiden's eyes flickered with something unreadable, and for a brief moment, Noah thought he might say something more cutting. But instead, Blake let out a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing just slightly.
Shifting the umbrella a little as they walked side by side. The rain continued to fall steadily, creating a soft, constant hum around them, and for a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their footsteps.
Noah Rivera
*glanced over at the man*
Noah Rivera
So, you live around here?
Aiden Blake
Close enough *his tone noncommittal*
Noah nodded, sensing that Blake wasn’t in the mood for small talk, but not quite ready to let the silence stretch on for too long
Noah Rivera
I’m an art teacher. At the elementary school
Aiden Blake
Art teacher, huh?
Aiden Blake
That’s... not what I would’ve pegged you for
Noah Rivera
Yeah, actually, it's this school *pointed to Veridian School*
Aiden Blake
That school... that's the school where my daughter is studying *he blurted out without thinkin*
Noah Rivera
*looked at him*
Noah Rivera
Your daughter?
Aiden Blake
*quickly regained his composure*
Aiden Blake
She’s in the first grade there
Noah Rivera
Wait, Lily?? You mean Lily? Evans?? Wow, first time I’m seeing her father
Noah Rivera
Usually, it’s her nanny or that guard that I see here at school
Aiden Blake
Yeah, that's her *his voice sounding almost distant as he tried to keep the conversation casual*
Noah Rivera
So that’s why you're here?
Noah Rivera
To pick her up? But it’s too early, and... you're soaking wet..
Aiden glanced down at his clothes, realizing how ridiculous he must look, standing there in the pouring rain without an umbrella. He hadn’t expected to get caught up in this situation.
Aiden Blake
*let out a small, dry laugh, rubbing the back of his neck*
Aiden Blake
Yeah, it wasn’t part of the plan
Aiden Blake
I wasn’t supposed to be here today, but plans changed
Noah Rivera
Plans changed, huh?
Noah Rivera
I guess that’s a common theme in your life, huh? Being a busy guy and all *gestured toward Aiden's soaked suit*
Noah Rivera
You look like you’re handling the change really well
Aiden Blake
You could say that. But yeah, I’m here to pick her up
Aiden Blake
I didn’t expect the rain, though. Thought I could make it without getting drenched
Noah Rivera
Yeah, I get that. You probably didn’t bring a raincoat with you either, huh?
Noah Rivera
Well, here *handing over his umbrella*
Noah Rivera
Use it, and it’s yours! Bring an umbrella next time!
a playful smirk on his face as he turned and started running back toward the school.
Aiden stood there for a moment, watching Noah’s retreating figure, surprised by how easily the interaction had turned from awkward to oddly comfortable. As Noah disappeared from view, Aiden shook his head
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play
