chapter three

Exactly 10 minutes later.

A sleek SUV glided into the school's premises.

Taking his time to get down, he appeared charming in his grey suit, his broad and sturdy shoulders commanding attention.

His dark, slightly tousled hair, the hint of muscles underneath the coat, and his authoritative strides resonated through the school corridors. His stern expression belied a beauty not to be underestimated.

Upon perceiving him, one might easily mistake him for a man in his twenties. The declaration of his true age, 43 years, would undoubtedly spark a debate. Perhaps his slender frame hindered the natural aging process, or perhaps his striking appearance bestowed upon him an air of immortality.

He knew the principal's office and needed no guide. The hallway was empty, a suitable environment to address Evan's matters.

As he entered the principal's office, Evan was already stationed, impatiently awaiting his arrival— or should we say, Chad Baristanas, as he calls it.

The minute he locked a stare with Evan, a surge of anger pulsed through the young man.

"It's a pleasure seeing you again, Sir," the principal greeted with a sigh of relief, her eyes alight with anticipation.

"The pleasure is mine, principal," he responded courteously.

"It seems our annual meetings are destined. I trust they haven't inconvenienced you," the principal inquired.

"I should say the same," he replied.

“No trouble at all, Doctor Mark. It's always a delight to behold your handsome face each year. It has become a tradition that I must honor. I guess I'm used to it now.”

Knowing his father did not attend, his frustration boiled over. Yet again, someone was sent in his place and the school prince looked like the seat could not contain him.

"The sentiment is indeed mutual, Madam Principal," Mark retorted. Visits to the school were always uneasy for him, yet Evan persisted in bringing him each year. Of course, since he was the only uncle Evan don't fight with.

"Please, have a seat. I hope it will be comfortable for you." she offered warmly.

"Sure, why not? Your seat is always comfortable." Mark remarked sarcastically.

Evan looked like he was choking on their exchange when Mark passed him a grin.

"Shall we address your nephew?" the principal inquired, noting Mark's observation of Evan's growing irritation.

Mark sensed that Evan was more infuriated now than when demanding his father's presence.

"Mr Williams, we will much appreciate it if your nephew is kept in check. These outbursts are becoming out of control. He almost hurt someone today, which was out of line, and needed to be punished. I refrain from taking action due to his father, but I cannot guarantee similar leniency in the future.”

"I understand your concerns. I assure you, this will not happen again."

“I'll hold you to that promise, once again Doc. Evan is a valuable asset to our establishment, and his actions could jeopardize his standing. If this behavior persists, I may contemplate suspension or expulsion."

"Alright. But I would like to offer an apology to the girl in question on his parent's behalf."

"Yes, sure. I will let you meet her in a few minutes."

The principal rose from her chair and exited her office, leaving Evan and Mark behind. Mark observed his nephew, noticing the scowl on Evan's face that seemed to be causing him distress.

"You should have realized your father was too occupied to be tricked by your schemes," Mark remarked.

As Evan turned to him, Mark sensed the impending anger in his eyes. It appeared that Evan was on the verge of carrying out his threat and causing chaos in the principal's office.

"Aren't you tired of this? You're 18 now, yet you still seek to provoke your father?" Mark questioned.

"Provoke?" Evan scoffed in frustration. "Do you think I'm too immature to want to know if I hold any importance to him?" Evan expressed his disbelief.

"The school is growing weary of this behavior, when are you going to stop, 20... 30... or when you grow grey hair? This should be your final semester. Can't you just complete in peace?" Mark remarked, observing a shift in Evan's demeanor. He knew his nephew was more sensible than to create a scene.

Mark breathed a sigh of relief as Evan appeared to be calming down compared to when he initially mistook Mark for his father, Chad.

"Your father cares about you, Evan..." Mark began, trying to reassure him.

"Why do your words sound foreign to my ears?" Evan retorted.

"He's working for your benefit..."

"You mean for the sake of his deceased daughter!" Evan interrupted in anger. He was just calming down and this topic had to find its way to him.

"That damn daughter of his has his attention and everything!... That dead girl...."

"Evan, your mother believes..."

"Do you believe she's alive?" The room became quiet. Evan stared at his uncle for an answer. But Mark couldn't hold Evan's gaze and looked down. He also believed Evan's twin sister had passed away, yet...

Evan shifted away from Mark's gaze, interpreting Mark's reaction. "Uncle, you also doubt it, I can tell. But..." A somber expression crossed Evan's face, reflecting his inner turmoil. "Chad Baristanas won't let go because of..." His expression changed from sadness to anger. "Because of his wife."

"That's your mother."

"That's merely for appearances."

"Hey, young man..."

Before any further words could be exchanged, the principal's door opened once again, bringing the conversation to a halt.

"My apologies for the delay, gentleman. Miss Rodriguez has agreed to meet with you, Mr. Williams," the principal announced, walking back to her seat. She noticed the tension in the room yet it was not her place to ask. She shared a warm smile with Mark, who reciprocated in between his worries for his nephew.

But he was relieved that the situation was not escalating to involve Angel's parents, which would have been troublesome.

"However, she wishes to meet with you alone," The principal paused. She noticed the faces of the two men frowned in shock.

"I certainly don't get you," Mark asked in confusion.

"She prefers not to have Evan present." The principal glanced at Evan before adding.

Mark was taken aback by this condition, while Evan reacted with irritation, a chuckle torn from his mouth."Such self-importance," He muttered under his breath.

As funny as it would sound, Mark shared the same sentiment. His nephew looked hideous with his expression. He glanced anxiously at Evan, and then followed the principal outside, leaving him to seethe in frustration.

"Excuse me, where is she? I don't see her anywhere?" Mark inquired upon exiting the room.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I believe she may have felt uneasy and departed. You know your nephew tends to have that effect," the principal replied sarcastically. Angel was nowhere to be seen, and the corridors leading to the hallway appeared deserted.

"I suppose you may be right, madam. Perhaps she fled out of fear," Mark concurred with the principal.

"I feel obligated to apologize and must find her. Where is her classroom located?" Mark asked cautiously, displaying genuine gentlemanly behavior that impressed the principal.

"That's very noble of you, sir. The classrooms are situated down the hallways, in the first room, I will take you there." the principal informed him.

"No, I don't want her to feel unease. I prefer to see her alone. Thank you," Mark acknowledged and proceeded down the hallway.

The desolate appearance, of the hallway indicated the teachers were engaged and students were focused on learning (unlike his troublesome nephew).

But Evan was not the only one looking for trouble.