Episode 16
As Noah left Aiden’s office, a weight settled in his chest. He had agreed to the arrangement, laid out his terms, and had seemingly taken control of the situation—but it still didn’t feel right. The thought of calling this “professional” stung more than he wanted to admit.
The next day, Noah found himself at the lawyer’s office with Aiden, reviewing the finalized agreement. The terms were straightforward: the marriage would be legally binding but would remain in name only, with no expectations of intimacy or emotional involvement. Aiden would provide financial support, and Noah would continue his work and personal projects without interference. It was exactly what Noah had asked for, yet he couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at him.
Aiden Blake
*glanced at Noah* Is there something you want to change?
Noah Rivera
*shook his head, forcing a small smile*
Noah Rivera
No, it’s fine. I’m just... still wrapping my head around it
Lawyer
*slid the papers across the table* If you’re both in agreement, you can sign here and here
Noah picked up the pen, his hand hovering over the page for a moment before he finally signed. Aiden followed suit, his movements confident and precise.
Lawyer
it’s done *gathering the papers* Congratulations... I suppose
Neither of them responded to the comment.
That evening, Noah sat alone in his bedroom, staring at the blank canvas on his easel. He had planned to paint something, anything, to take his mind off things, but inspiration wouldn’t come.
A soft knock on his door startled him.
Noah Rivera
*Noah opened the door, raising an eyebrow*
Noah Rivera
aiden? What are you doing here?
Aiden Blake
Dinner. I thought we could... talk. About what comes next
Noah Rivera
*stepped aside to let him in. Aiden walked in*
Aiden Blake
I just thought it might help to... clear the air
Noah Rivera
*crossed his arms, leaning against the counter*
Noah Rivera
Clear the air about what?
Aiden Blake
*running a hand through his hair* About us. About this arrangement. I want to make sure we’re on the same page. I don’t want you to feel like you’re being forced into this
Noah Rivera
but it’s still... strange. I mean, we barely know each other, Aiden. And now we’re... married
Aiden Blake
and that’s all it has to be, Noah. I won’t ask for anything more than what we agreed on
Noah Rivera
*looked at him for a long moment before nodding*
Noah Rivera
okay. Then let’s keep it simple. For Lily’s sake
After that, Noah's last name officially became Rivera-Blake.
He spent the day keeping himself busy, tidying up the penthouse. Although Aiden could easily hire housekeepers, Noah insisted on doing the cleaning himself. The nanny helped him here and there, but Noah found it manageable. He didn’t want Aiden to spend unnecessarily on something he could handle on his own.
While he was dusting the living room, the doorbell suddenly rang. Frowning, he put the cleaning supplies down and made his way to the door. He wasn’t expecting anyone.
Evelyn Blake
Chairwoman of Blake Enterprises
Evelyn is a powerful and respected Alpha, serving as the Chairwoman of Blake Enterprises. Known for her exceptional business acumen and strategic mind, she played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s global reach before passing the CEO role to her son, Aiden. As the matriarch of the Blake family, Evelyn is a perfectionist who demands excellence and upholds the family’s legacy.
Note: Aiden serves as the CEO of Blake Enterprises, handling the day-to-day operations, innovation, and public representation of the company. Meanwhile, Evelyn is the Chairwoman, overseeing the broader strategic direction of the company and ensuring its long-term growth and stability. This dynamic reflects Evelyn's experience and influence, while Aiden carries forward the legacy with his leadership and modern approach
Noah Rivera-Blake
Yes? Can I help you?
Evelyn Blake
*crossed her arms* i’m here to see my son
Noah’s heart skipped a beat. Oh, no. This must be Aiden’s mom. She was stunning, radiating an aura that instantly intimidated him.
Noah Rivera-Blake
Uh… your son?
Noah Rivera-Blake
You mean Aiden?
Noah Rivera-Blake
I’m… Noah
Noah Rivera-Blake
Noah Rivera-Blake
Evelyn Blake
*eyebrow arched slightly higher* Rivera-Blake, you say? Interesting. Well, Noah, are you going to let me in, or do I have to wait out here all day?
Noah Rivera-Blake
Oh! Right, sorry! *stepped aside quickly, opening the door wide*
Noah Rivera-Blake
Please come in
Evelyn Blake
*stepped inside gracefully, her eyes taking in the space*
Evelyn Blake
I see Aiden’s taste hasn’t changed
Noah closed the door, feeling incredibly out of place. He wasn’t sure if he should offer her something or wait for Aiden to come back. Before he could decide, she turned to him again.
Evelyn Blake
So *piercing gaze locking onto him*
Evelyn Blake
you’re my son’s… husband?
Noah froze. This was going to be a long conversation
Noah Rivera-Blake
Yes, ma'am. Well, sort of… It's complicated
Evelyn Blake
Complicated, is it? Marriage is rarely straightforward, but I wasn’t aware Aiden had… complicated tastes
Noah Rivera-Blake
We’re still… getting to know each other
Evelyn Blake
*stepping further into the living room and gesturing for him to follow*
Evelyn Blake
And yet, you’re already living here. Interesting
Evelyn Blake
*glanced at the cleaning supplies he'd left on the floor*
Evelyn Blake
I assume you’re not one of the housekeepers, then
Noah Rivera-Blake
*flushed* No, ma’am. I just—well, I like to keep busy
Evelyn Blake
*sat gracefully on the couch, crossing her legs with effortless elegance*
Evelyn Blake
annd Lily? How are you getting along with her?
Noah Rivera-Blake
Oh, we get along great! She’s an amazing kid. So creative and sweet
Evelyn Blake
Good. She deserves stability, not confusion
Noah Rivera-Blake
I agree. I’ll do everything I can to make sure she feels supported
Evelyn Blake
see that you do. Lily’s happiness is non-negotiable, and neither is my son’s
Noah Rivera-Blake
*nodded* i understand, ma’am
Evelyn Blake
*stood abruptly, brushing invisible dust off her skirt*
Evelyn Blake
Good. Now, where is Aiden? I didn’t come all this way to interrogate his… husband
Noah winced at the emphasis on the word, but before he could respond, the sound of the elevator doors opening echoed through the penthouse.
Aiden Blake
Mother *He entered the room, his sharp eyes immediately darting between his mother and Noah*
Evelyn Blake
We need to talk
Aiden Blake
Of course. Let’s step into my office
She nodded curtly and followed Aiden toward the hallway, leaving Noah standing awkwardly in the living room.
As the office door closed behind them, Noah exhaled deeply, sinking onto the couch. He had survived the first meeting, but something told him this was just the beginning.
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