Chapter 20 School Function
Few days had passed since the announcement of Xander's engagement. Ariadne didn't have to see him again as he never returned to the construction site after that day. The next day, she would visit the construction site to discuss the park's new design with Mr. Wright.
She placed the printed design in a file before heading to the kitchen for dinner. Mary, Adrian and Autumn sat in their seats. Tiara was at the hospital with Alex. Tiara was the one who spent most of the night with Alex. Ariadne took a seat. There were delicious dishes in front of them. They hadn't started eating yet as they waited for her. They began eating together.
After a while, Autumn lifted her head from her plate and looked at Ariadne.
"Mommy, there's a function at our school tomorrow. Remember we mentioned it before?" she asked, eating her chicken wing.
"Yes, I do remember." Ariadne replied.
"We are both participating." Autumn smiled excitedly, while Adrian was silently eating his meal.
"Yes, I know dear." Ariadne smiled at her.
They had informed her long ago that they would be participating. She had seen Autumn practicing dance in their suite. She was unable to sit with them due to her recent hectic schedule. She did, however, keep track of their activities from Mary and Tiara.
"I am competing in the dance competition, and Adrian in the chess."
Autumn was a good dancer, while Adrian had a huge interest in brain storming games. Adrian had made it to the final, which would take place at the program, in front of the entire audience. He had won many games before, so it didn't excite him too much.
"You must come, Mommy. Everyone's parents will be there." Autumn pouted. "You have never visited our new school. I have told my friends that you are very beautiful. They all want to see you."
"Huh.." Ariadne was shocked, while Mary laughed.
"Oh. They argue over whose mommy is the most gorgeous. These children!" Mary informed Ariadne, shaking her head.
"Because you never visited, they are now accusing me of lying." Autumn added, frowning. "So, you have to come tomorrow."
"I will, dear. But it's bad to compare people." Ariadne gave her a firm look.
"But you are really more beautiful than them, Mommy." Autumn tried to make her point.
"Autumn, everyone is beautiful in their own unique way. Promise me you will never compare people again."
"Ok, Mommy. I am sorry." Autumn lowered her head, pouting.
"Good girl." Ariadne smiled. "I will definitely attend the program."
Autumn smiled upon hearing this.
"Can I ask for something?" Autumn asked with puppy eyes.
"What's it?" Ariadne asked suspiciously.
Even Adrian looked at Autumn.
"Can I choose your dress for tomorrow? I want us to go matching." she smiled widely, while Adrian shook his head.
"Why do girls do such silly things?" He remarked, causing Autumn to frown at him.
"You can also match with us." she said.
"No, thanks. Keep me away from this." Adrian glared at her.
Autumn looked at Ariadne, waiting for her response.
"Ok, you can."
"Yeeee." As soon as Ariadne agreed, Autumn exclaimed with delight and stuck her tongue out at Adrian, causing him to shake his head.
They finished their dinner, and Mary led Adrian to his room, while Ariadne took Autumn into her room and showed her the office and formal dress section of her closet. After looking through the dresses for nearly half an hour, she chose a peach jumpsuit with a high neck.
"This one, Mommy. Wear this dress tomorrow to our school."
"Ok. Anything else?" Ariadne took the dress from her.
"No."
"Ok, then, let's go to your room. It's time for bed." Ariadne picked her up and headed towards their room.
Adrian and Autumn shared the same room. Adrian was lying on his bed.
"You take so long to pick a dress?" Adrian commented as Ariadne tucked Autumn into her bed.
Autumn pouted at him, aware that he was mocking her.
"Adrian." Ariadne shook her head. "Do you want anything for tomorrow?" She asked him.
"No, Mommy. Just make sure to come." He said.
He didn't say it, but he, too, wanted his mother to visit their new school.
"Of course, I will. Now go to sleep. You need to get up early tomorrow. Good night."
"Good night, Mommy."
She kissed both of the children's foreheads before adjusting the light and leaving the room.
...
Next day, as usual, the family ate their breakfast together before the children left for school with Mary and Ariadne for work. She arrived on the construction site.
She planned to go to the school after delivering the design to Mr. Wright. However, when she entered the tent, she found Xander sitting on the chair, while Jose stood a few feet away from him. There was no sign of Mr. Wright.
"Hello, Miss Miller. You are late." Xander cocked his brow at her.
"Sorry, I got stuck in traffic." Ariadne cleared her throat. "Where's Mr. Wright?" she asked.
"He has an emergency at the hospital, so he will not be here today." Jose informed.
Ariadne realized that Xander had come in place of Mr. Wright to discuss the matter.
"Oh, here's the design." She retrieved the printed design from the file and handed it to Jose, who forwarded it to Xander.
She wanted the work done quickly so she could leave for the school. Xander took the paper and studied it.
"I don't think the statues look good here. They should be here." Xander stated after a while, pointing at the design.
"Okay, I will change it. Is there anything else?" Ariadne asked, standing in the same spot, keeping her distance from him.
"No." Xander said after a while, taking another look.
"Okay. Is it okay if I make the changes and deliver it tomorrow?" Ariadne asked hesitantly.
"Why not today?" Xander looked at her.
"Ummm..I have some work."
"I believe this is your work." Xander frowned.
"It's about my family. There's a function at my kids' school. I need to attend so...."
"You don't appear to be professional enough, Miss Miller. My work is the most important thing to me, and I expect the same from my employees and business partners." he didn't let Ariadne finish her words.
He tilted his head before adding, "And, as you know, I don't have a family of my own, so don't expect me to consider this. I want it finished today and delivered to my office." Xander said firmly and stood up.
"Office?" Ariadne was confused.
"Yes. You don't expect me to sit here and wait for you to finish it, do you?" He cocked his brow at her, causing her to glare at him.
"And make sure you deliver it in person. We need to discuss it."
"What?" Ariadne couldn't believe what she had heard.
However, Xander walked past her and left the tent, completely ignoring her.
He had an evil smirk on his face. Jose gave Ariadne a sympathetic look before following his arrogant boss. Ariadne gritted her teeth. He was taking revenge on her for her remark about him not having a family.
"I hate him." She muttered.
She quickly began working on her laptop in the tent.
She would be late. However, she couldn't miss the program. Her kids would be disappointed.
...
At Blake Corporation
"You have an invitation as the chief guest at Dreamland School." Jose informed Xander, who was smoking a cigarette while sitting in his office chair.
"By any chance, is this the same school as Ariadne's kids?" Xander furrowed his brows.
"I have no idea, Boss. Are you going to attend?"
Xander didn't attend parties and dinners that were not business related. However, he did accept invitations from schools, orphanages and other institutions.
"Yes, prepare the car. We will be leaving in a while."
"But, Boss. Miss Ariadne? She will come to deliver the design later." Jose reminded him.
"Tell Mr. Potter to collect the design. As for the discussion, we can do it later." He shrugged without any care.
Jose was speechless.
...
They arrived at the school. The principal came personally to greet them. They were led to the stage and directed to take their seats. The other guests had already arrived. They smiled at Xander, who nodded back. He sat in the front row, with the principal and Jose beside him.
Dreamland School was the best school in Zavion City. Students came here only from the upper classes as studying here was extremely expensive.
"Our chief guest, Mr. Xander Blake, has arrived. Our program will begin shortly." the host announced.
After a while, the program began with a song.
"Now, Our dance competition is about to begin. The first participant is Clara Coel."
A little girl appeared on the stage and performed a beautiful dance. The competition continued. Most of the time, Xander was engrossed in his phone, while watching the performances.
"Boss, isn't it Miss Ariadne's daughter?" Jose said, drawing Xander's attention.
"She's looking at you."
Xander looked up from his phone to see a cute girl in a pink dress, standing in the corner of the stage, staring at him. When their eyes met, she smiled. Xander's heart skipped a beat. She looked like an angel. However, what made him uncomfortable was how much she resembled Ariadne. He looked away, without acknowledging her smile. The little girl's face fell. Jose sighed as he watched the scene.
"Our next participant is Autumn Miller."
Xander returned his gaze to the girl after hearing the announcement.
Autumn moved to the center of the stage and positioned herself. She began to move her body as the music started.
She had a unique grace in her dance that captivated everyone, including Xander. He couldn't take his gaze away from the little girl's smiling face and graceful moves. Even though she was only four years old, her moves were flawless. It was a beautiful performance, and everyone applauded when she finished her dance. Autumn bowed her head to the audience before exiting the stage.
"What an adorable little lady." Jose exclaimed with awe.
The function continued.
...
At the construction site
Ariadne checked the time as she was running late for the school program. She dashed for her car after printing the new design. She continued to curse Xander on her way to Blake Corporation. She hurriedly went to the reception as soon as she arrived. As she explained the reason for her visit, a woman led her to an office.
Ariadne had never visited Xander's office floor. She felt strange coming here for the first time. She knocked on the door before entering the office. However, she became perplexed when she didn't see Xander inside. A middle-aged man was seated in the head chair.
"Oh, Miss Miller. Come, take a seat." The man said.
"I have come to meet Mr. Blake." Ariadne stated in her confusion.
"Yes, I know. But Mr. Blake is not here. Actually, he had something to attend at the last minute. So he left a few hours ago. I am Ralph Potter, the head manager of Blake Corporation. He instructed me to collect the design from you on his behalf." The man informed.
"What?"