Episode 15
It was Monday, and Noah was sitting with Mateo at a café near the school during his lunch break. The café was cozy, bustling with people enjoying their meals and coffee. Mateo stared at Noah, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
Mateo Alvarez
Seriously? He wants a marriage of convenience?
Noah Rivera
*sighed* yeahh
Mateo Alvarez
*leaned closer, lowering his voice* Noah, that’s... huge. Like, really huge. What even made him think of that?
Noah Rivera
*shrugged, leaning back in his chair*
Noah Rivera
it’s for Lily. He’s worried about her having stability, and he probably thinks this will make things easier for her. But it’s still... a lot to process
Mateo Alvarez
And what about you? What do you think about all this? I mean, you’ve only been living with them for a few days. Are you even ready for something like that?
Noah Rivera
*let out a deep breath, running a hand through his hair* I don’t know. Part of me understands why he’s doing this, but another part of me feels like it’s too much. I’m not sure if I can handle the pressure—or if I even want to
Mateo Alvarez
*frowned, concern evident on his face*
Mateo Alvarez
Noah, you have to think this through carefully. Marriage, even if it’s just on paper, is a serious commitment. Don’t let him pressure you into something you’re not ready for
Noah Rivera
*nodded slowly* I know. I just... I need time to figure out what I really want. And I need to talk to Aiden about it. I can’t keep avoiding this
Mateo Alvarez
*reached across the table, giving Noah’s hand a reassuring squeeze*
Mateo Alvarez
You’re right. Just be honest with him. And remember, whatever decision you make, it’s okay to put yourself first
Noah Rivera
Thanks, Mateo. I’ll talk to him soon
The two friends finished their lunch, Noah feeling slightly lighter but still unsure of what the future would hold.
Later that evening, Noah sat on the balcony of Aiden’s penthouse, gazing out at the city lights. The cool breeze ruffled his hair, but his mind was far from calm. He turned the situation over and over in his head, trying to make sense of it all. Marriage of convenience—it sounded so clinical, so detached. Yet, at the same time, it carried an undeniable weight.
The sliding door opened behind him, and Aiden stepped out, holding two cups of tea. He handed one to Noah and took a seat in the chair across from him.
Aiden Blake
I figured you’d be out here
Aiden Blake
You’ve been quiet today
Noah Rivera
*held the cup in his hands, letting the warmth seep into his fingers*
Noah Rivera
Yeah. I’ve just been... thinking
Aiden Blake
*nodded* about what we talked about?
Noah Rivera
*looked down at his tea, swirling it absently*
Noah Rivera
*glanced up at him, his brow furrowed*
Noah Rivera
aiden, this is a lot to ask of someone. Even if it’s just on paper, marriage is... it’s a big deal
Aiden Blake
I know *setting his tea down on the small table between them*
Aiden Blake
And I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything. This is your decision, Noah. All I can do is explain why I think it’s the best choice for Lily—for all of us
Noah Rivera
*sighed* I get that you’re doing this for her, and I admire how much you care about her. But... what about you? Why are you willing to make this kind of commitment? Is it really just for her, or is there more to it?
Aiden Blake
At first, it was all about Lily. But... spending time with you, seeing how you connect with her, how you’ve become such an important part of her life—it made me realize that maybe this could be about more than just her
Noah Rivera
*breath caught, his heart racing as Aiden’s words sank in*
Aiden Blake
I’m not saying we have to make this something it’s not
Aiden Blake
But I see potential in this—for stability, for trust, for a partnership. And if it’s something you’re willing to consider, I think we could make it work. But only if you’re ready
Noah looked at him, searching for any hint of insincerity, but found none. He could see the vulnerability in Aiden’s eyes, the weight of the decision they were both grappling with.
Noah Rivera
I don’t have an answer yet
Noah Rivera
I need time to figure out what I want. This isn’t just about Lily—it’s about me too. And I need to make sure I’m doing this for the right reasons
Aiden Blake
*nodded* take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere
The two of them sat in silence for a while, the city lights twinkling around them, as they both contemplated what the future might hold.
Noah was standing outside Aiden’s company building. He hadn’t gone to work today—he just didn’t feel like it. His mind was too preoccupied, swirling with thoughts about the decision he had finally made.
He had already decided. He was going to accept Aiden’s offer. After all, it wasn’t real, right? It was all just a sham, a marriage on paper. Plus, he’d be getting paid for it, which would help him financially. It seemed practical enough.
Taking a deep breath, Noah straightened his posture and walked into the building. The lobby was sleek and modern, bustling with employees. The receptionist greeted him with a polite smile.
？？？
Good morning, Mr. Rivera. Mr. Blake is expecting you. You can head up to his office
Noah Rivera
*blinked in surprise* he’s expecting me?
？？？
he mentioned you might come by today
Noah nodded slowly and made his way to the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. As the elevator ascended, his heart raced. Did Aiden already know he’d come to a decision? Or was this just another one of his calculated moves?
When the elevator doors opened, Noah stepped out and was greeted by Aiden’s secretary.
Leah (Secretary)
Mr. Rivera, please go right in. He’s waiting for you
Noah hesitated for a moment before pushing the office doors open. Aiden was sitting at his desk, reviewing some documents, but he looked up the moment Noah entered
Noah Rivera
*nodded* Yeah. I needed to talk to you
Aiden Blake
*gestured for him to take a seat*
Noah Rivera
*sat down* I’ve thought about it... about your offer. And I’ve decided to accept
Aiden Blake
I see. That’s good to hear
Noah Rivera
I have conditions
Aiden Blake
*raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair*
Noah Rivera
*took a deep breath* first, I want Lily to understand that this doesn’t mean anything about us being a real family. I don’t want to confuse her. And second... I need to be able to continue with my work and my art. I can’t let this arrangement take over my entire life
Aiden Blake
*nodded* Fair enough. Anything else?
Aiden Blake
I’ll make sure everything is clear in the contract. We’ll keep things professional
Noah felt a strange pang in his chest at the word “professional,” but he pushed it aside. This was what he wanted—or at least, what he thought he wanted.
Noah Rivera
When do we start?
Aiden Blake
Soon. I’ll have the paperwork ready by tomorrow. You’re making the right choice, Noah
Noah wasn’t so sure about that, but he nodded anyway. He just hoped he wouldn’t regret it.
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