Episode 12
Noah woke up at around 4:40 AM, his usual routine whenever he needed to prepare for work. Heading to the kitchen, he decided to cook breakfast not just for himself but for Aiden and Lily as well.
As he stood by the stove, flipping eggs in the pan, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.
Aiden Blake
You’re cooking?
Startled, Noah turned around, only to freeze. Aiden stood there, shirtless and glistening with sweat, clearly fresh from a run or workout. His toned physique was hard to ignore, and Noah felt his cheeks flush involuntarily.
In his flustered state, his arm bumped the handle of the pan, and his hand accidentally grazed the hot surface.
Noah Rivera
Ah! Damn it! *pulling his hand back quickly.*
Aiden Blake
Careful *grabbing Noah’s wrist gently to inspect the burn*
Noah Rivera
*nodded quickly*
His heart racing—not just from the pain but also from how close Aiden was
Noah Rivera
It’s fine, just a little burn *avoiding Aiden’s gaze*
Aiden didn’t seem convinced. Without a word, he led Noah to the sink and turned on the cold water, guiding Noah’s hand under the stream. The coolness eased the sting, but Noah was far more aware of how close Aiden was standing.
Aiden Blake
You should be more careful
Aiden Blake
You’re always so distracted
Noah Rivera
Well, maybe don’t sneak up on me half-naked next time
Aiden Blake
*chuckled* You’re blaming me for you being clumsy?
Noah Rivera
*rolled his eyes*
Noah Rivera
*pulling his hand away once the burn felt manageable*
Noah Rivera
I’m blaming you for being distracting
Noah Rivera
*turning back to the stove to salvage breakfast.*
Aiden Blake
*grabbing a glass of water and taking a sip*
Aiden Blake
But for the record, the food smells good
Lily Evans
Daddy! Teacher Noah! Is breakfast ready? *called out from upstairs*
Noah Rivera
*sighed in relief*
Noah Rivera
almost, Lily! Come down in a bit *called back*
Aiden Blake
*leaned closer* Guess you’re off the hook... for now
Aiden Blake
*turning to head upstairs, leaving Noah alone in the kitchen, his heart still racing*
Noah took a deep breath, trying to steady himself after the unexpected encounter. Get it together, Noah. He's just your boss, he thought, shaking his head as he focused on finishing breakfast. He plated the eggs, toast, and bacon, then poured some fresh orange juice for Lily.
Lily came bounding down the stairs moments later, her hair a bit messy but her energy contagious.
Lily Evans
Good morning, Teacher Noah *giving him a quick hug*
Noah Rivera
*smiling down at her* Breakfast is ready. Did you brush your teeth?
Lily Evans
*nodded enthusiastically*
Lily Evans
*climbing onto her chair* Yup! Daddy said I can't eat until I do
Noah Rivera
Good girl *setting her plate in front of her*
As Lily dug into her food, Aiden walked into the dining area, now fully dressed in a crisp suit. He looked every bit the powerful CEO, but his expression softened when he saw Lily
Aiden Blake
Morning, sweetie
Aiden Blake
*kissing her on the top of her head*
Aiden Blake
*sat down and glanced at Noah* you didn’t have to cook for us, you know
Noah Rivera
*bringing over Aiden’s plate* but I figured I should contribute since I’m living here now
Aiden Blake
*raised an eyebrow* Well, if breakfast is part of the arrangement, I might not let you move out
Aiden Blake
*taking a bite*
Noah Rivera
*rolled his eyes*
Noah Rivera
*sitting down across from him with his own plate*
Noah Rivera
Don’t push it *faint blush on his cheeks betrayed his flustered state*
The three of them ate in relative peace, the morning sun streaming through the windows. Lily filled the quiet with her chatter about school, her art class, and the upcoming projects she was excited about. Both Noah and Aiden listened attentively, occasionally exchanging amused glances
Aiden Blake
*checked his watch* I have a meeting in an hour, so I’ll be heading out soon
Aiden Blake
*standing up and grabbing his suit jacket.*
Aiden Blake
Lily, be good for Teacher Noah, okay?
Lily Evans
I’m always good
Aiden Blake
*chuckled and kissed her forehead* that’s my girl
Aiden Blake
Thanks for breakfast. You didn’t burn anything this time
Noah Rivera
*shot him a glare* just go to work, Mr. Blake
Aiden laughed as he left the room, leaving Noah to clean up while Lily finished her juice.
Lily Evans
Teacher Noah, can we paint later?
Noah Rivera
Of course *smile*
Noah Rivera
Let’s clean up first, and then you go ask the nanny to take you a bath and wear your uniform, we need to go to school
At Aiden’s office in his company, his secretary walked in, carrying a folder filled with documents.
Leah (Secretary)
Sir, here are the files you asked me to prepare
Aiden Blake
*looked up from his laptop*
Aiden Blake
*nodding as he gestured for the assistant to place the folder on his desk*
Aiden Blake
Good. Thank you. Did you double-check everything?
Leah (Secretary)
Yes, sir. All the data has been reviewed, and the revisions you requested were implemented
Aiden Blake
*opened the folder*
Aiden Blake
*flipping through the papers*
Aiden Blake
Perfect. This will do. Make sure the marketing team gets these by noon for final approval
Leah (Secretary)
Understood, sir. I’ll take care of it right away
As the assistant exited, Aiden leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply.
His phone suddenly buzzed
Aiden Blake
*glanced at the screen and saw Noah’s name flashing*
Aiden Blake
Hello? What’s up?
Noah Rivera
Uh... hey. I didn’t mean to bother you, but Lily forgot her art supplies at home. She has an art activity today, and I was wondering if you could... you know, bring them over? I’m already at the school
Aiden Blake
*pinched the bridge of his nose* so you’re asking me to run errands now?
Noah Rivera
It’s for Lily, and don’t act like you’re too busy. I know you’re good at multitasking
Aiden Blake
Fine. I’ll drop them off. Consider this my good deed for the day
Noah Rivera
Thanks. I owe you one
Aiden hung up, grabbing his car keys
As he walked out of his office, his assistant raised a curious eyebrow.
Leah (Secretary)
Heading out, sir?
Aiden Blake
Just a quick errand *he strode toward the elevator*
As Aiden made his way to the parking garage, he couldn’t help but feel an odd sense of satisfaction from the conversation with Noah. He wasn’t one to do favors often, especially for someone outside his immediate circle, but there was something different about Noah. Maybe it was the way he handled Lily or how his calm demeanor seemed to challenge Aiden’s usual expectations.
He pushed those thoughts aside as he got into his car and started the engine.
Arriving at the school, Aiden parked his car and grabbed the bag of art supplies
Aiden walked into the school and headed straight for the office to check in. The receptionist smiled politely, clearly familiar with him by now.
？？？
Mr. Blake, what brings you here today?
Aiden Blake
I’m just dropping something off for my daughter. Lily Evans
？？？
*nodded* I’ll call her teacher and let her know you’re here. Just a moment
Aiden waited, watching the students and staff go about their day. After a few moments, he heard footsteps approaching, and when he turned around, he saw Noah walking toward him with a surprised look on his face.
Noah Rivera
Mr. Blake? *glancing down at the art supplies in Aiden’s hand*
Noah Rivera
I didn’t expect you to actually—
Aiden Blake
Here you go *handing over the bag*
Aiden Blake
I’ve completed my good deed for the day. Don’t make me do it again
Noah Rivera
*took the bag* I really appreciate it. You didn’t have to, though
Aiden Blake
Lily’s important to me. And, well, I didn’t want to leave you to deal with the chaos
Noah Rivera
Yeah, she can be a handful. But she’s a good kid
Aiden Blake
Anyway, I should get back to work
Aiden Blake
Don’t want to make a habit of doing your errands for you
Noah Rivera
*smiled* I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks again
Aiden nodded and turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, he paused, glancing back at Noah.
Aiden Blake
I’ll see you later, Teacher Rivera *grin*
Noah raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond, his lips curling into a smile as he watched Aiden walk out of the building.
Once Aiden was back in his car, he found himself thinking about the brief exchange. What’s going on with me? he wondered. Why does it feel like every little interaction with Noah is leaving a mark?
Back at the school, Noah stood for a moment in the doorway, still feeling the tension in the air from their brief encounter. His heart rate had quickened when Aiden looked back at him. What was that about? Noah wondered, biting his lip as he returned to his class
The rest of the day passed in a blur of lessons and paperwork
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