Episode 18
Lily was playing in the garden, accompanied by the maids who had been instructed to watch over her. The bright and sunny afternoon seemed perfect for her, as she laughed and ran around, her carefree spirit filling the space.
Meanwhile, inside the dining area, the atmosphere was more formal. The staff was busy pouring juice into fine, delicate glasses, the clinking of crystal echoing through the room as Aiden, his mother, and Noah sat at the table. The spread was extravagant, but Noah found himself not touching his food. His plate remained untouched, and he couldn’t bring himself to dig in, his mind elsewhere.
Evelyn Blake
Aren’t you going to eat? Or is it that you're not used to eating like this?
Noah hesitated for a moment, looking at her. He could feel her eyes on him, assessing. He had heard stories about how meticulous and discerning she was.
Noah Rivera-Blake
*his fork down, meeting her gaze* It’s not that
Noah Rivera-Blake
i’m just... not hungry right now
Evelyn Blake
*raised an eyebrow* I see
Evelyn Blake
but if you're going to be part of this family, you’ll have to get used to this. We don’t do things halfway
Noah nodded, trying his best to remain composed. He wasn't one for confrontation, but Evelyn’s piercing gaze made him feel out of place. He wasn’t accustomed to this level of wealth and opulence, but he understood what Aiden meant when he said that his family had high expectations.
Noah Rivera-Blake
I’ll adjust
Aiden Blake
*cleared his throat* Mom, let’s not make Noah uncomfortable
Aiden Blake
He’s still getting used to everything here
Noah let out a quiet breath, grateful for Aiden’s intervention.
As the meal continued, the tension in the room lingered like a heavy fog. Noah kept his gaze focused on his plate, picking at his food but not truly eating. The clinking of silverware and soft murmurs from the staff were the only sounds breaking the silence
Aiden, ever observant, noticed the discomfort on Noah’s face. His mother’s piercing gaze hadn’t let up since the moment they’d sat down, and he could feel the weight of her scrutiny. It wasn’t easy being around his mother when she was in one of her moods—especially when it came to new relationships.
Aiden Blake
How’s your art going?
Noah Rivera-Blake
*looked up at him, grateful for the distraction*
Noah Rivera-Blake
It's... going well
Noah Rivera-Blake
I’ve been working on a few new pieces. I’ve also been thinking about setting up a small show, but nothing too big
Evelyn’s eyes narrowed at the mention of the show, but she didn’t comment on it. Instead, she turned her attention back to Aiden.
Evelyn Blake
your father and I are still waiting for you to take more responsibility in the family business, Aiden
Evelyn Blake
You can’t ignore that forever
Aiden Blake
*jaw tightened, but he forced a smile* I’m managing everything just fine, Mom. There’s no rush
Evelyn seemed unsatisfied with the answer but said nothing more. Noah, sensing the conversation turning back to uncomfortable ground, took a deep breath and met Aiden’s gaze. He knew there would be more moments like this—moments where he would feel out of place, moments where he had to prove his worth in a world so different from his own.
They had finished their meal, the tension still hanging in the air. The conversation shifted, but the undercurrent of scrutiny remained.
Evelyn Blake
So, what's your work? I assume you're not from a wealthy family? It's pretty obvious from your mannerisms
Both Gregory and Aiden interjected in unison, their voices a mix of reprimand and concern.
Noah Rivera-Blake
I... yeah... I'm just, as you say, a normal person. Nothing much
Evelyn Blake
*raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed* And you're proud of that?
Noah Rivera-Blake
*jaw tightened, but he held his ground* i'm working as a teacher at Lily's school
Noah Rivera-Blake
I also do art. In fact, next month, my work will be displayed in an exhibition
Evelyn Blake
*lips curled into a small, condescending smile*
Evelyn Blake
You're proud of just that?
Aiden Blake
*shot his mother a warning glance, his face hardening*
Aiden Blake
You can’t just dismiss what he does
Evelyn Blake
It's just a hobby, Aiden. Don’t let him fool you into thinking it’s something impressive
Evelyn Blake
*turning her gaze back to Noah, as if scrutinizing him even more closely*
Noah fought the urge to respond with something sharp, but he knew better than to argue. He wasn’t going to let her get under his skin. Not today.
Noah Rivera-Blake
I don’t need to impress anyone
Noah Rivera-Blake
I do what I love, and that’s enough for me
Aiden Blake
*looked between his mother and Noah*
Aiden Blake
*his hand resting on Noah’s shoulder*
Aiden Blake
let's just enjoy the rest of the day, alright?
But Evelyn's gaze lingered on Noah, her thoughts unreadable.
The silence that followed was heavy. Aiden’s attempt to steer the conversation in a more peaceful direction was met with little success. Evelyn, still clearly dissatisfied, seemed to be lost in her thoughts, her sharp gaze never quite leaving Noah.
Noah could feel the weight of it all, the scrutiny of a woman he had just met, and the tension of trying to fit into a world so far removed from his own. He didn’t belong here, and that reality hit him harder than he expected. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hands clasped tightly in his lap to keep himself grounded.
Gregory Blake
Well, Noah, I'm sure you've noticed how much we value family here
Gregory Blake
We don’t always show it the right way, but you should know... we care about Aiden, and we want what’s best for him
Noah Rivera-Blake
*looked at Gregory* i understand
Noah Rivera-Blake
I really do. I’m just here to support Aiden. That's my main priority
Evelyn’s gaze softened, just a fraction. She had heard the sincerity in his voice, but it was clear that she still wasn’t convinced. She wasn’t used to having things so easily handed to her, and she couldn’t understand why her son would settle for something so different.
Aiden Blake
you don’t need to prove anything, Noah
Aiden Blake
You’re more than enough just as you are. Let’s not let this get in the way of tonight
Evelyn Blake
but, know this, Noah: family comes first here. If you're truly going to be a part of it, you’ll have to prove that
Noah swallowed, feeling the pressure mount but not breaking under it. He wasn’t here for anyone’s approval but Aiden’s.
Noah Rivera-Blake
Understood
Lily Evans
Daddy! Teacher Noah!
Aiden Blake
He's a teacher mom
Aiden Blake
that's why Lily is calling him like that
Evelyn Blake
Aren't you two married?
Aiden Blake
We do, but Lily is still not used to calling him dad
Noah Rivera-Blake
*Stay quiet*
Aiden Blake
come on, sweetie *getting to his feet and offering Noah a hand*
Aiden Blake
Let’s go get some dessert and relax. It’s been a long evening
Noah Rivera-Blake
*took his hand*
They moved to the next room, Noah felt the weight of the evening begin to lift
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