Episode 5
Aiden leaned forward, tapping the screen of his phone as his thoughts drifted. It was rare for someone to make an impression on him so quickly. His world was usually filled with sharp business deals, high-end meetings, and people who understood the unspoken rules of power and status. Yet, Noah Rivera seemed... different.
Aiden frowned slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn't the type to let his curiosity get the better of him, especially not when it involved someone outside of his professional network. But there was something about Noah—his easy smile, the way he hadn't hesitated to offer Aiden his umbrella, his willingness to treat Aiden like a regular person, not the CEO of Blake Enterprises. It was refreshing, and, dare he admit, a little intriguing.
He glanced at the picture again
There was no arrogance in the way he carried himself, no attempt to impress or perform. It was a stark contrast to the world Aiden was accustomed to, a world where appearances were everything.
Aiden Blake
You’ve got enough on your plate
Maybe he would stop by the school sometime, just to see Lily’s artwork, of course. Nothing more.
The next day, it was early in the morning, and Aiden was the one driving her. They were in the car together, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space between them.
Lily Evans
Daddy! Why do you suddenly want to drive me to school
Aiden glanced at her with a small smile, trying to keep his tone casual
Aiden Blake
I just thought it would be nice today
Aiden Blake
Besides, I wanted to spend some time with you before school
Lily’s face lit up with a bright smile, happy to have her father’s attention
Lily Evans
You’re not busy with work today?
Aiden Blake
Not today. I’ll catch up later. Right now, it’s all about you
Lily Evans
Yay! I like it when it’s just us
As they pulled up to the entrance, Aiden parked the car. He turned to Lily, reaching out to adjust her hair.
Aiden Blake
You have a good day, okay? I’ll pick you up later, as promised
Lily Evans
daddy, are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been working a lot lately
Aiden's heart softened at the concern in her voice.
Aiden Blake
I’m fine, sweetheart. Don’t worry about me *he smiled, ruffling her hair*
Aiden Blake
Now, go have fun at school. I’ll see you later
With a final wave, Lily hopped out of the car and ran toward the school entrance, leaving Aiden to watch her for a moment before driving off, a contented but bittersweet feeling settling in his chest.
Aiden pulled into his office parking garage, but before he could head upstairs
As he stepped into the building, his phone buzzed again—this time, a message from the school itself, confirming a parent-teacher meeting for later that week.
As the class ended, Aiden headed straight to the school for the parent-teacher meeting. He had arranged to meet with Lily's teachers to discuss her progress
He arrived at the school, parking his car in the designated area before walking inside. The hallways were quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of students having settled into their classes. He made his way to the designated room, where the meeting was being held.
When he entered, he was greeted by a few teachers who had already gathered. He nodded politely at them before focusing on the desk where Lily’s art teacher, Mr. Rivera, was waiting. Noah stood up as Aiden approached, offering a handshake.
Noah Rivera
It's nice to finally meet you
Aiden Blake
I’ve heard a lot about you from Lily. She really enjoys her art classes
Noah Rivera
I’m glad to hear that. Lily is very talented. She has a lot of potential, especially in painting
Aiden Blake
*nodded* I’ve seen some of her drawings. She’s very creative
Noah Rivera
I just wanted to make sure you were aware of how much she’s growing. She’s excelling in the projects, but I think she could benefit from a bit more encouragement to push her boundaries
Aiden Blake
I’ll make sure she gets that at home
The conversation continued with Noah giving a more detailed report on Lily’s artistic abilities, and Aiden listened attentively, taking mental notes.
Once the meeting wrapped up, Aiden stood up, extending his hand to Noah once more
Aiden Blake
Thank you for your time. I’ll make sure to stay more involved
Noah Rivera
of course, Mr. Blake
Aiden Blake
I meant to ask earlier, but how long have you been teaching here?
Noah seemed taken aback by the question but quickly recovered, offering a thoughtful response.
Noah Rivera
I’ve been here for about three years now. It’s a great school—one of the reasons I enjoy teaching here is because of the students. They have so much potential
Noah Rivera
And the faculty’s pretty great too
Noah Rivera
To be honest, I really wanted to be an artist... to have my drawings featured in galleries. I mean, right now, I'm working on it, and the deadline is coming up... I still do— *he cut himself off, realizing he had strayed from the point of the meeting*
Noah Rivera
Uh... I think we're getting a bit off track, Mr. Blake
Noah Rivera
and, well, the meeting's over now
Aiden gave him a puzzled look at first
They both stepped out of the room, and as soon as Lily spotted her dad, she immediately ran toward him
Her eyes then shifted to Noah, and she brightened even more.
Noah smiled at the sight of Lily’s enthusiasm, his heart warming at how much she genuinely liked her art teacher.
Noah Rivera
Hey, Lily *he greeted with a friendly smile*
Noah Rivera
how was your day?
Lily Evans
it was awesome!!
Aiden’s lips curled into a smile as he looked at his daughter’s excitement
Aiden Blake
I’m glad you had fun
Lily Evans
Mr. Rivera says I’m really good at it! Maybe I’ll be an artist like him one day!
Noah Rivera
You’ve certainly got the talent for it, Lily. Keep practicing, and who knows? You might just make it to the galleries too.
Lily Evans
*fave lit up* I’m gonna! Thank you, Teacher Noah
Lily Evans
*looked at her daddy*
Lily Evans
see, Daddy? I can be an artist too!
Aiden Blake
*chuckled softly*
Aiden Blake
I have no doubt you can, sweetheart
Aiden Blake
*ruffled her hair*
Noah exchanged a brief smile with Aiden, their earlier conversation lingering in the back of his mind. There was something about Aiden’s quiet pride for his daughter that spoke volumes, and it reminded him of his own dreams of sharing his art with the world.
Noah Rivera
Well, I’ll let you two go *taking step back*
Noah Rivera
I’m sure you’ve got lots to talk about
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