Episode 4
Noah was already hurrying back to the school. With lunch break nearly over, he had to get to his next class. As he ran, he thought about the brief encounter with that man (Aiden) and couldn’t help but laugh.
Noah Rivera
well, that was unexpected *wiping some rain off his face as he picked up his pace*
Noah barely had time to settle back into the classroom before his students started filing in, their chatter filling the room like a symphony of youthful energy. He set down his damp bag and grabbed a dry rag to quickly wipe the rain off his face and arms
Sophie
Mr. Rivera, you're all wet
Noah Rivera
*He chuckled, ruffling her hair as he moved toward the front of the room*
Noah Rivera
I know, Sophie. Rain doesn’t exactly care if you’re in a hurry or not *he joked, earning a few giggles from the class*
Jake
Why didn’t you bring an umbrella, Mr. Rivera?
Noah Rivera
I did, actually, but I lent it to someone who needed it more
Noah Rivera
Alright, enough about me. Let’s get started. Did anyone bring their sketches from yesterday?
The students eagerly pulled out their work, showcasing their drawings with pride. Noah’s heart swelled with warmth as he moved around the room, offering encouragement and guidance. Teaching these kids always reminded him why he loved his job—it wasn’t about the money or recognition. It was about moments like these, watching young minds bloom with creativity.
Across town, Aiden sat in his car, staring at the umbrella Noah had handed him. It was a cheap, worn thing with a few small holes in the fabric, but for some reason, it felt oddly significant in his hands. He shook his head, chuckling softly as he placed it in the passenger seat.
Aiden Blake
An umbrella, huh?” *he murmured*
Lily had just arrived home, accompanied by the family guard who had picked her up from school. Aiden wasn’t able to fetch her during dismissal because he was busy dealing with paperwork at the office.
As the door opened, Lily ran inside, her small bag bouncing on her shoulder.
Lily Evans
I'm home *she called out, her cheerful voice echoing through the quiet house*
Lily's nanyy
Welcome home, sweetheart. How was school today?
Lily Evans
we painted flowers in class, and Mr. Rivera said mine was the prettiest! *she held up her notebook, showing off a colorful flower sketch*
Lily's nanyy
That’s wonderful, Lily! *the nanny praised, kneeling down to examine her work*
Lily's nanyy
You really have a talent for art.
Lily Evans
*Lily beamed, but her excitement faltered as she looked around* Where’s Daddy? *she asked, her voice quieter now*
Lily's nanyy
*The nanny hesitated for a moment*
Lily's nanyy
Your dad’s still working, sweetheart. He’s busy with some important papers, but I’m sure he’ll be home soon
Lily Evans
*Lily nodded, though the disappointment was evident in her eyes*
Lily Evans
Okay..." *she mumbled, clutching her notebook a little tighter*
Later that evening, as Aiden finally arrived home, he found Lily curled up on the couch with her sketchbook. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
Lily Evans
Daddy! *she exclaimed, jumping up to greet him*
Aiden Blake
Hey, sweetheart *kneeling to hug her*
Aiden Blake
I’m sorry I couldn’t pick you up today. Work got in the way
Lily Evans
*Lily smiled, forgiving him instantly*
Lily Evans
It’s okay, Daddy. Look, I painted flowers today! *she opened her sketchbook, showing him her art*
Aiden’s tired expression softened as he looked at the colorful drawing.
Aiden Blake
That’s amazing, Lily. You’re so talented *he said, his voice filled with pride*
Lily grinned, her earlier disappointment forgotten as they sat together, talking about her day. For Aiden, moments like these made all the stress from work worth it
As the evening wore on, the two moved to the dining table where dinner was already set. Lily excitedly recounted every detail of her day while Aiden listened attentively, occasionally nodding or asking questions.
Lily Evans
Mr. Rivera is my favorite teacher Daddy
Lily Evans
He’s really nice, and he said he used to paint flowers like mine when he was a kid!
Aiden Blake
*taking a sip of his water* Sounds like you really like Mr. Rivera. He must be a great teacher
Lily Evans
*nodded vigorously.*
Lily Evans
He is! And you know what? He’s super funny too! He made a joke about how we should sell our paintings and become millionaires *giggled at the memory*
Aiden smiled, but his thoughts briefly wandered to the soaked art teacher he’d met earlier in the day.
Aiden Blake
Do you think I can meet him someday?*asked casually*
Lily Evans
Yes! You should come to school, Daddy! Mr. Rivera would love to meet you! And maybe he can teach you how to paint too! *she said with a cheeky grin*
Aiden Blake
*laughed, ruffling her hair* I’m not sure I have the talent for that, sweetheart, but we’ll see
After dinner, Aiden tucked Lily into bed, her sketchbook resting on her nightstand
Lily Evans
Goodnight, Daddy *she said softly, hugging her stuffed bunny close*
Aiden Blake
Goodnight, Lily *he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead*
As he left her room and headed to his study
Aiden Blake
*called his assistant*
Aiden Blake
hello, can you send me the information about Lily’s art teacher at her school? She mentioned his name is Mr. Rivera. I’d like to see his details along with a picture
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before the assistant responded
Leah (Secretary)
Of course, sir. I’ll gather the information and send it to you shortly
A few minutes later, his phone buzzed with a notification. Opening the email, he found the details of Noah Rivera: a brief biography, his credentials, and, of course, a photo. Aiden stared at the picture for a moment, recognizing the face immediately. It was the same man who had handed him the umbrella earlier that day.
Aiden Blake
💭 So, that’s him
Aiden Blake
*Leaning back in his chair. He scrolled through the information, noting that Noah had a strong background in art and teaching despite his modest lifestyle*
As he studied the details, Aiden couldn’t help but recall the brief but odd interaction they’d shared. The man seemed genuine, almost too kind for someone in his position.
Aiden Blake
Interesting *muttered under his breath, a small smirk forming on his lips. For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he found himself growing more curious about Mr. Rivera*
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