Episode 17
Evelyn Blake
So? You're married already? You didn’t even introduce him to us
Evelyn Blake
*referring to her husband and mate, who was clearly an Omega. Her tone was sharp but laced with curiosity*
Aiden Blake
Mom, I was planning to introduce him
Aiden Blake
but we wanted to keep things private for now
Evelyn Blake
*crossed her arms, her sharp gaze not leaving her son*
Evelyn Blake
Private or not, family is still family, Aiden. And if you’re serious about this marriage—whether it’s real or… convenient—you owe it to your father and me to meet him
Aiden Blake
*rubbing the back of his neck* I understand. I’ll arrange something soon, but I need you to trust me on this. Noah and I are still adjusting to everything
Evelyn Blake
fine. But don’t keep us waiting too long. Your father would like to meet him too. You know how he is—he’s been asking if you're already in a relationship, he really wanted a grandchild...
Aiden Blake
I already have Lily
Evelyn Blake
She's not yours biologically
Evelyn Blake
I'm just telling the truth
With that, she turned on her heel, leaving Aiden with a heavy sigh and a mental note to prepare Noah for a family meeting sooner than expected.
Aiden Blake
Hey *loosening his tie as he walked over*
Noah Rivera-Blake
*looked up, giving him a small smile* Hey. How’d it go with your mom?
Aiden Blake
*exhaled, sitting beside him* As expected. She’s… protective. She wants to meet you officially—and my dad too
Noah Rivera-Blake
*eyes widened* Your dad? Oh, wow. That’s a lot. I mean, I knew I’d have to meet them eventually, but I didn’t think it’d be this soon
Aiden Blake
I’ll admit, it’s a little sooner than I planned
Aiden Blake
But my parents are important to me, and I need them to see this… arrangement as something they can trust
Noah Rivera-Blake
Do they know it’s just… fake? That this is all for appearances?
Aiden Blake
*looking at him seriously* i haven’t spelled it out, but my mother’s sharp. She’s already suspicious. And honestly, I don’t want to lie to them outright, but they need to believe we’re at least trying to make this work—for Lily’s sake and for the media’s
Noah Rivera-Blake
*ran a hand through his hair* I get it. I’ll do my best. I don’t want to let you—or Lily—down
Aiden Blake
You won’t. I know this isn’t easy for you, but you’ve already proven you care about Lily. That matters more than anything
Noah Rivera-Blake
*smiled faintly* Thanks, but your mom is… intense. She has this way of looking at you like she’s peeling back all your layers. I don’t know how I’m supposed to impress her
Aiden Blake
*chuckled* Don’t worry about impressing her. Just be yourself. She’ll come around—eventually
Noah Rivera-Blake
Eventually?
Aiden Blake
Let’s just say my mother has a long vetting process
Despite the lighthearted exchange, both of them knew the upcoming meeting with Aiden’s parents would be a significant hurdle. But for now, they shared a quiet moment of camaraderie, preparing themselves for what was to come.
Upon arriving at Aiden’s family home, Noah couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the sheer size of the house. Is this a palace? he thought, his eyes widening as they stepped out of the car. The mansion stood tall and grand, with perfectly manicured gardens and expansive windows reflecting the sunlight.
This was his first time visiting, and he was already in awe of the place. The luxury and opulence were beyond anything he’d ever seen, making him feel like he was stepping into a world far removed from his own.
Aiden Blake
*noticing Noah’s awe, chuckled softly* it’s a lot to take in, I know
Noah Rivera-Blake
*nodded* this is... incredible
They made their way to the front door, with Lily holding Aiden’s hand and skipping beside him, her excitement contagious. She was practically bouncing on her heels.
Lily Evans
daddy, will I get to play in the big garden?
Aiden Blake
*smiled down at her* Yes, sweetie. We’ll go out there after we meet Grandma
Evelyn stood by the door, waiting for them. She was dressed immaculately, her presence commanding, and as they approached, she gave Aiden a nod before her eyes landed on Noah. Her gaze was sharp, but not unfriendly. She then looked down at Lily, whose enthusiasm was impossible to ignore.
Lily Evans
*smiled brightly at Evelyn* Hi, Grandma! I’m going to play outside with Daddy later!
Evelyn Blake
*gave a small, tight smile*
Noah, standing a bit off to the side, felt the tension in the air. He’d heard a lot about Evelyn’s feelings toward Aiden’s adoption of Lily, and he could tell that things weren’t exactly smooth between them. But he gave her a polite smile and nodded.
Noah Rivera-Blake
It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Blake.
Evelyn Blake
*studied Noah for a moment, her expression unreadable* i trust Aiden’s judgment... but we’ll see how things unfold
Aiden Blake
*gave Noah a reassuring glance, placing a hand on his back*
Aiden Blake
Let’s go inside. You’ll get used to everything here, I promise.
As they walked further into the house, Noah couldn’t shake the feeling that Evelyn’s eyes were still on him, sizing him up. He knew he had a long way to go in earning her approval, but as he looked down at Lily, who was practically skipping along with her excitement, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them for their family.
Inside the grand house, the warmth of the living room contrasted sharply with the coldness Noah had felt from Evelyn. The space was vast, yet cozy, with rich furniture and family portraits adorning the walls. It felt like a place where generations of Blakes had lived, a legacy carved into every corner
Evelyn led them into the sitting area, where Aiden’s father, Gregory Blake.
Gregory Blake is a shy and feminine Omega with a gentle demeanor. Standing at a modest height, he works as an art consultant specializing in rare and antique collections. His soft features and refined style reflect his delicate nature, and while he’s reserved, his expertise and kindness are widely respected in his field.
Gregory Blake
Ah, there’s my granddaughter! *he stood to greet them*
He had a kind smile that contrasted with Evelyn’s more measured approach. Lily immediately ran to him, wrapping her arms around his legs.
Lily Evans
Grandpa! Can we play in the garden now?
Gregory Blake
*chuckled, lifting her into his arms* after we have a little chat, sweetheart. Then the garden will be all yours
Noah, watching this interaction, felt a little less anxious. At least one person here seemed genuinely kind and welcoming. He turned to Aiden, who gave him an encouraging smile.
Evelyn Blake
*cleared her throat, bringing everyone’s attention back to her*
Evelyn Blake
Aiden, we need to talk about some things
Aiden Blake
Of course, Mom. I figured there would be some things to discuss
Noah, feeling the weight of the conversation, instinctively stepped back, allowing Aiden to take the lead. This wasn’t his battle to fight, but he would support Aiden however he could.
Gregory Blake
*put a hand on his son’s shoulder* We’ll talk later, Evelyn. Let them settle in first
Evelyn Blake
*sighed but nodded* fine. But don’t think I’ll be easy on him
Evelyn Blake
*turning toward the kitchen* I’ll prepare some tea
Aiden Blake
*gave Noah a look of apology* We’ll be fine
Aiden Blake
*walking over to sit with his father, leaving Noah standing near the door*
Noah couldn’t help but feel a wave of nerves crash over him. This was his first real encounter with Aiden’s parents, and he had already felt the weight of Evelyn’s disapproval. Still, the way Gregory had treated Lily was a small comfort. Maybe there was hope for a smoother relationship after all.
Lily Evans
*tugged on his hand, pulling him toward the back door* Come on, Teacher Noah! I wanna show you the swing
Noah Rivera-Blake
*smiled* Lead the way, princess.
As they stepped outside, the vast garden stretched out before them—lush greenery, winding paths, and large trees offering shade. Lily immediately ran to the swing set, and Noah couldn’t help but admire the peace of the place.
Aiden, watching from the doorway with his father, seemed to relax for the first time that day. Despite the tension with his mother, he could see that Noah was doing his best to fit into this world of wealth and tradition, even if it wasn’t easy.
As Noah pushed Lily on the swing, the sound of her laughter filled the air, and for a moment, it felt like everything would be okay.
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