episode 11
The car ride was lively, thanks to Lily's endless chatter. She kept pointing out random things outside the window, making Noah laugh with her observations.
Lily Evans
Teacher Noah, did you know there's a restaurant shaped like a giant hamburger near my school?
Noah Rivera
*chuckled* A hamburger-shaped restaurant? That sounds fun. Maybe we can check it out someday
Lily Evans
Promise? *holding out her pinky*
Noah Rivera
Promise *hooking his pinky with hers
Aiden glanced at them from the driver’s seat, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched the interaction. It was rare for Lily to open up so easily to someone new, and he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the connection she and Noah had formed.
They arrived at their destination
They entered the grand charity event, the venue sprawling with elegance and sophistication. The space was filled with businessmen and businesswomen, all dressed in sharp suits and glamorous dresses. It was clear that the attendees were among the wealthiest and most influential in the city.
Noah, feeling slightly out of place amidst the sea of luxury, tightened his grip on Lily’s hand for comfort. She looked up at him and smiled reassuringly, as if sensing his unease.
Aiden walked slightly ahead of them, his presence commanding attention as he greeted several people with polite nods and firm handshakes. Heads turned as they entered, the trio cutting a striking figure.
Noah Rivera
*leaned down to whisper to Lily* Wow, this is fancy, huh?
Lily Evans
*giggled softly*
Lily Evans
Daddy goes to places like this all the time. It’s normal for him.
Noah Rivera
Normal for him, maybe. Definitely not for me
Aiden Blake
*glanced back at them*
Aiden Blake
You’ll get used to it
They made their way deeper into the venue, where a large chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the crowd. A live orchestra played soft, elegant music in the background, adding to the refined ambiance.
As they approached the center of the room, an older man in a tailored suit walked up to Aiden, his expression lighting up
Mr. Calloway
Aiden Blake! Always a pleasure to see you at these events
Aiden Blake
*offered a polite smile*
Aiden Blake
*shaking the man’s hand* Mr. Calloway, good to see you as well
The man’s gaze shifted to Noah and Lily, his eyebrows raising slightly.
Mr. Calloway
And who might these two be?
Aiden Blake
*placed a hand on Lily’s shoulder* This is my daughter, Lily
Lily Evans
*gave the man a polite little wave*
Mr. Calloway
*chuckled* What a delightful young lady. And this gentleman?
Aiden Blake
He’s my husband
Mr. Calloway
*raised an eyebrow* Ah, I see
Mr. Calloway
Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr?
Noah Rivera
Noah...Noah Rivera
Mr. Calloway
ohh nice meeting you Mr. Rivera-Blake
Aiden Blake
We like to keep things private
Aiden Blake
I’m sure you understand
Mr. Calloway
*nodded* Of course, discretion is key in your position. Congratulations to the both of you
Mr. Calloway
*excused himself and walked away*
Noah Rivera
*turned to Aiden*
Noah Rivera
What the hell was that?!
Aiden Blake
Relax. I just needed to shut him up before he started prying into your life
Noah Rivera
That’s not how you do it!
Noah Rivera
You don’t just—just claim I’m your husband!
Noah Rivera
What if I'm already taken??
Noah Rivera
I..I said "WHAT IF"
Aiden Blake
*chuckled* at least It worked, didn’t it?
Noah Rivera
You’re impossible
Lily Evans
*tugged at Noah’s sleeve* Teacher Noah, does this mean I can call you ‘Dada’ now?
Noah Rivera
*face turned an even deeper shade of red*
Noah Rivera
Absolutely not
The night had only just begun, but Noah could already tell it was going to be a long one.
As the evening progressed, Noah tried his best to shake off the lingering embarrassment from Aiden’s bold declaration. He stayed close to Lily, letting her chatter distract him from the occasional glances they received from the other guests.
Aiden, on the other hand, appeared completely unfazed. He moved through the room with the air of someone who owned it, exchanging greetings and polite conversation with other attendees. But every now and then, Noah caught Aiden’s gaze flickering toward him and Lily, as if ensuring they were comfortable.
At one point, a waiter approached them with a tray of champagne glasses. Aiden took one, but Noah politely declined.
Aiden Blake
No champagne for you? *raising an eyebrow.*
Noah Rivera
*shook his head, holding up his glass of water*
Noah Rivera
I’m fine with this. Besides, I don’t think I can handle alcohol tonight, especially not after... everything
Aiden Blake
Fair enough. Though you might need it if Mr. Calloway decides to circle back
Noah Rivera
*groaned softly, running a hand through his hair*
Noah Rivera
Don’t remind me
Lily Evans
*tugging on Noah’s sleeve again* Teacher Noah, can we go to the dessert table? It looks so yummy!
Noah Rivera
Of course. Let’s go.
Noah turned, confused, as Aiden walked over and leaned down slightly, his hand brushing against Noah’s shoulder.
Aiden Blake
Stay close. Some of these people aren’t as harmless as they seem
Noah Rivera
I’ll be fine. It’s just desserts
Aiden Blake
Stay where I can see you
Noah nodded, not wanting to argue further, and led Lily toward the dessert table. As they browsed the elegant display of pastries and sweets, Noah couldn’t help but glance back at Aiden. The man was standing tall, engaged in conversation with someone, but his eyes flicked to Noah every so often, as if keeping his silent promise to watch over him.
Lily Evans
Teacher Noah, can we get these macarons? They’re so pretty
Noah Rivera
*chuckled, handing her a small plate*
Noah Rivera
Alright, but just a few, okay?
When they returned to Aiden’s side, Lily proudly showed off her plate of desserts.
Lily Evans
Daddy, look what we got
Aiden Blake
That's too much sweets, Lily. We agreed before that you'd only have sweets once a month, remember?
Noah Rivera
Oh, come on, let her enjoy a little. It’s just one night
Aiden Blake
*crossed his arms* That’s not the point we set rules for a reason
Lily Evans
*clutching the plate of macarons like it was her greatest treasure.*
Lily Evans
But Daddy, it’s a special night! Please?
Noah Rivera
*crouching down to Lily’s level* How about this? You can have two macarons tonight, and we’ll save the rest to take home. That way, you can still have your treat without breaking any rules
Lily Evans
Really? We can take them home?
Noah Rivera
Of course. I’ll even pack them for you myself
Aiden Blake
*raised an eyebrow* Fine, but only two tonight. No more
Lily Evans
Thank you, Daddy! Thank you, Teacher Noah
Noah Rivera
*shot Aiden a playful smirk* See? Compromise works wonders
Aiden Blake
You’re lucky she listens to you.
Noah Rivera
I’m a teacher. It’s my job
Noah Rivera
Besides, it’s hard to say no to that face
Aiden Blake
*chuckled* Yeah, I know the feeling.
The rest of the evening went smoothly, with Lily staying close to both Noah and Aiden as they mingled. Noah found himself surprisingly comfortable in the dynamic, despite the odd situation they were in. Aiden, for all his serious demeanor, had a way of making things feel secure, even in a room full of intimidating people.
Aiden Blake
Ready to head home?
Noah Rivera
*nodded* Yeah, I think we’ve had enough excitement for one night
Aiden smiled, placing a hand on Noah’s back as they walked toward the exit, Lily skipping happily ahead of them. For a brief moment, Noah allowed himself to enjoy the warmth of the gesture, even if it was just for show.
Aiden Blake
Thanks for coming tonight
Aiden Blake
It meant a lot to Lily
Noah Rivera
*glanced at him* Of course. She’s... special. I’d do anything to make her happy.
Aiden Blake
You’re good with her. Better than I expected.
Noah Rivera
She’s easy to love
Comments