Episode 14
Aiden lingered, his gaze drifting between Noah and the painting. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated Noah’s focused expression, the slight furrow of his brow as he contemplated his next stroke. There was something captivating about the scene—something Aiden couldn’t quite put into words.
Aiden Blake
Watching you work like this... it’s inspiring. Makes me feel like I should find something to be this passionate about
Noah Rivera
*laughed softly* You’re already running a company. That’s not exactly a small feat
Aiden Blake
But it’s different. My work is about strategy, planning, managing people. It’s not... personal, like this *gestured to the canvas*
Noah Rivera
Maybe it’s not the same, but I bet there’s passion behind it. You care about the people you’re helping, right? Your projects, the vision you have for the company?
Aiden Blake
I suppose. But watching you paint, it’s like... you’re creating something that’s entirely yours. Something that no one else could replicate. It’s impressive
Noah Rivera
It’s not always that deep. Sometimes, it’s just putting colors together and seeing what happens
Aiden Blake
But it is that deep *tone softer now*
Aiden Blake
Even if you don’t realize it. The way you lose yourself in it, the way it reflects who you are... It’s meaningful
Noah looked at Aiden, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. For a moment, their eyes met, and there was an unspoken understanding between them—one that carried a weight neither of them was ready to fully acknowledge.
Noah Rivera
*Clearing his throat* Well, if you ever want to try your hand at painting, I can give you a lesson. I’m sure Lily would love to see her dad with a paintbrush
Aiden Blake
*chuckled* i think I’d make a mess of it, but I’ll keep that offer in mind
Aiden Blake
*glanced at the clock on the wall* It’s late. You should get some rest. That painting will still be here tomorrow
Noah Rivera
*glancing at the unfinished piece* yeah, you’re right. I’ll just clean up and head to bed
Aiden Blake
*nod* Goodnight, Noah. Don’t stay up too late
He cleaned his brushes and tidied up his supplies
The next day, in the afternoon.
Leah (Secretary)
Sir, here’s the document you requested
She handed over what appeared to be private agreement
Leah (Secretary)
If I may ask, sir, what is this for?
Aiden glanced at the document, his sharp features betraying no emotion. He tapped his pen lightly against the desk, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
Aiden Blake
It’s for... a contingency plan
Aiden Blake
Something that might come in handy soon
Leah (Secretary)
Understood, sir. Shall I file this under private matters?
Aiden Blake
*nodded* Yes. Keep it confidential. Only I should have access to it
Leah (Secretary)
Of course, sir
As the door clicked shut, Aiden leaned back in his chair, staring at the document on his desk. His fingers traced the edge of the document, his mind wandering to Noah
Aiden Blake
💭 This is ridiculous
Aiden Blake
💭 It’s too soon to even think about this
Aiden Blake
*picked it up and saw a message from Noah*
Noah Rivera
📱Hey, I’m making lasagna tonight. Lily insisted. Want me to set aside some for you?
Aiden Blake
📱I’ll be home late, but save me some. Thanks
Setting the phone down, he sighed, his gaze returning to the contract.
Aiden was sitting in his office, speaking with his lawyer over a video call. The conversation was serious, the topic focused on the marriage of convenience he wanted to propose to Noah.
Lawyer
Mr. Blake, are you certain about this? A marriage of convenience isn’t something to take lightly. It could have legal and emotional consequences
Aiden Blake
I’m fully aware of the implications. This isn’t just for me—it’s for Lily. I want to ensure she has stability and someone she’s comfortable with in her life. Noah’s already become a significant part of it
Lawyer
Understood, but have you discussed this with him? This arrangement requires mutual consent, and there’s no guarantee he’ll agree
Aiden Blake
Not yet. I’m still figuring out the best way to bring it up without overwhelming him. I need him to see this as an opportunity, not a burden
Lawyer
*nodded* You’ll also need to draft an agreement outlining the terms—financial, personal, and any other specifics you both agree on. That way, there’s clarity and no room for misunderstandings
Aiden Blake
*glancing at the document his secretary had delivered earlier* I’ll take care of that. Just make sure everything is legally sound. I don’t want any complications
Lawyer
Of course. I’ll send you a draft by tomorrow for your review
Aiden ended the call and sat back in his chair, staring at the document in his hands. His mind wandered to Noah, wondering how he’d react to the proposal. It wasn’t the most traditional path, but Aiden was determined to do what he thought was best for everyone involved
Later that evening, as Aiden walked into the living room, he found Noah helping Lily with an art project. The sight warmed him, but it also reminded him of the conversation he needed to have. He just hoped Noah would understand.
Aiden cleared his throat as he stepped further into the living room, catching Noah's attention. Lily was too absorbed in her art project to notice, her small hands covered in paint as she worked on a colorful masterpiece.
Noah Rivera
Hey, welcome home. Dinner’s almost ready—Lily and I made the lasagna pasta, and she insisted on adding way too much cheese
Lily Evans
*giggled, not looking up* Extra cheese makes it better, Daddy!
Aiden Blake
*chuckled softly* I’m sure it does
Aiden Blake
*sitting down on the armrest of the couch*
Aiden Blake
Can we talk later? After Lily’s asleep
Noah Rivera
*raised an eyebrow* Uh, sure. Is everything okay?
Aiden Blake
Yeah, everything’s fine
Aiden Blake
It’s just... something important
Noah Rivera
*nodded* alright. After Lily’s bedtime, then
The evening passed with a sense of normalcy—dinner was filled with laughter and playful banter, Lily chattering excitedly about her day. Once she was tucked in and fast asleep, Noah found Aiden in the living room, sitting on the couch with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
Noah Rivera
so *sitting down across from him*
Noah Rivera
What’s this about?
Aiden Blake
*set his glass down*
Aiden Blake
*leaning forward with his elbows on his knees* I’ve been thinking a lot about you. About Lily. About us
Noah Rivera
*frowned slightly* Okay... and?
Aiden Blake
I want to propose a marriage of convenience
Aiden Blake
Let me explain
Aiden Blake
this isn’t about romance or anything like that—not yet, at least. It’s about providing stability for Lily. You’ve become such an important part of her life, and—if I’m being honest—mine too. I want to make sure that bond is protected
Noah Rivera
*stared at him* Aiden, that’s... I don’t even know what to say. A marriage of convenience? That’s a huge step
Aiden Blake
And I don’t expect you to agree right away. I just want you to think about it. We’d set terms, boundaries, whatever makes you comfortable. But this way, Lily would have both of us as a solid presence in her life. And—
Aiden Blake
I think we could make it work
Noah Rivera
*running a hand through his hair*
Noah Rivera
This is... a lot to process, Aiden. I mean, I care about Lily. And you. But marriage?
Aiden Blake
I’m not asking for an answer right now
Aiden Blake
Just... think about it. Please
Noah Rivera
*nodded slowly* Alright. I’ll think about it
As Noah stood to leave, Aiden watched him go, his chest tightening. He knew it was a gamble, but he also knew it was a step he was willing to take—for Lily, and maybe even for himself.
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