Episode 20

Three months later...

The alarm goes off and Arya drags herself out of bed to the bathroom for her morning routine. Once ready, she heads to the children's room to wake them. They dress and descend for breakfast. Arya assists them with their backpacks and lunchboxes, and they proceed to the car.

She drops them at school, then continues to her company. She parks next to her boss's car, takes the elevator to the main lobby, collects the mail, and then heads to the top floor where the executive suite and her office are located.

"Good morning, Mr. Pagano! We’ll be leaving in half an hour," Arya says, placing the mail and documents for today’s event on his desk.

"Good morning! I believe we can leave now; everything is ready," he replies, giving a final glance at the papers on his desk.

"As you wish, sir." She moves towards the door.

"Arya, Lisa is also coming," he remarks with a sigh.

"Per my esteemed father's orders,” he adds, rolling his eyes.

"Yes, sir," she responds and exits to her office.

On the way to the elevator, they say goodbye to Margo. In the parking lot, Arya heads to her car, but Kilam stops her by grabbing her arm, pulling her close. They share an intense, silent stare until he snaps out of it.

"Sorry, there's no need to take separate cars," he states, still looking at her.

"But you need to pick up Miss Lisa," she says, stepping away from him.

"She’ll take her car; we’ll meet there," he says awkwardly.

"Sorry, but I prefer to go in my own car to avoid issues," she stands firm.

"My driver is on his way, so there is no need to worry; we won’t be alone if that's what's concerning you," he reassures her with a forced smile.

"Okay then, shall we?"

Minutes later, the driver arrives, and they set off for the school in silence until Kilam breaks it.

"Your children attend here, don’t they?" he asks, still gazing forward.

"Yes," she replies tersely.

"Then we'll see them today," he says with a faint smile.

"I doubt it; only students over ten will participate. They’re too young to understand such matters," she says, checking her agenda.

"A shame; I was looking forward to seeing your maternal side," he says, watching her.

"We've arrived, sir," the driver interrupts, drawing their attention.

Inside, they meet the current director, Mr. James, who escorts them to a lecture on agribusiness, followed by one on construction by Kilam. They settle in front row seats and notice Lisa hasn't arrived yet. Eventually, focused on the lecture, Lisa enters flamboyantly, shifting all attention to her. Kilam scolds her, and she pouts.

Called up, the trio ascend. Kilam passionately details his profession from project planning to construction. Arya is captivated, while Lisa is visibly bored.

"Hey, girl," Lisa summons Arya.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Will this drudgery last much longer?" Lisa asks, clearly bored.

"It appears so; Mr. Pagano is quite inspired today," Arya responds with a slight smile.

"Make up some excuse, a meeting or something, to end this. I have a spa appointment," Lisa commands as if it were the most important thing in the world.

"Sorry, Miss, but Mr. Pagano intends to inspect the entire school and meet with the directors and administrators after," Arya tries to dismiss the conversation and not distract him.

"I will not spend my precious morning here—fabricate an excuse for our departure. This is not a request, but an order," Lisa demands arrogantly.

"Apologies, Miss, but this has been scheduled for months; Mr. Pagano won't accept that, as you are well aware," Arya says, attempting to placate Lisa, who raises her voice.

After an hour and a half, Kilam approaches the women and scolds Lisa for acting like a petulant child. During a tour, Kilam requests to see the playground, where a girl accidentally spills juice on Lisa. A boy her age consoles the crying girl while Lisa verbally lashes out.

"Enough, Lisa! They're just kids! Go now, and spare us your tantrum," Kilam intervenes, controlling Lisa's temper.

"Mommy, it was an accident, I swear," Mia clings to Arya's legs, sobbing.

"It's okay, my beauty; I believe you, but apologize to Miss Lisa," Arya soothes, wiping away the girl’s tears.

"Sorry, it was an accident," Mia utters, ashamed.

"Obviously, they're your kids, hence the lack of manners," Lisa sneers.

"That's it, Lisa! You'd better leave now. You've played the inconvenient fiancee role sufficiently," Kilam says heatedly.

"But sweetheart, they ruined my dress! Aren't you going to support me?" Lisa pleads, trying to calm Kilam.

"Leave now, Lisa," he insists, and she storms off in a huff.

"Hey princess, so you're Arya's daughter? And you're her son?" he asks, stroking the children's heads, and they nod.

"No need to cry; that lady is simply unpleasant, and good job, young man, defending your sister like a true hero," Kilam shares with a broad smile, while Arya observes them, also smiling.

"I've got an idea. How about I take you two to lunch at my favorite restaurant? Of course, if your mom comes along," he pleads.

"Can we, Mom?" the two children beg in unison.

"Of course," Arya agrees without hesitation.

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