Chapter 4:making it official

From the moment Raymond met Lilian in his father's office, something about her intrigued him. She was graceful, intelligent, and had a quiet strength that drew him in. At first, their conversations were casual, but as time passed, he found himself seeking her out more often.

He admired the way she spoke with passion about her students, how her laughter was soft yet contagious, and how she carried herself with confidence yet remained humble. Unlike the women he had met abroad, who often seemed drawn to his status, Lilian treated him like any other person.

The more time he spent with her, the more certain he became—Lilian was special.

But was she feeling the same way?

Raymond had noticed the way her eyes sometimes lingered on him, the way she laughed a little longer at his jokes. Yet, there was also hesitation, as if she were holding back. Was there someone else?

Raymond sat across from his father in the study, swirling the coffee in his cup as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"I'm thinking of making things official with Lilian," he finally said.

The principal looked up from his paperwork, studying his son with a knowing expression. "I had a feeling this was coming."

Raymond smirked. "You disapprove?"

His father set his pen down and leaned back in his chair. "Not at all. Lilian is a fine young woman. Hardworking, responsible. She's not the type to be swayed by money or status."

"That's one of the things I like about her," Raymond admitted.

The principal nodded. "But have you thought this through? This isn't just about attraction, Raymond. A relationship—especially one in the same workplace—requires commitment. She's a teacher, focused on her career. And you… you have big plans. Will she fit into that life?"

Raymond exhaled. "I don't know yet. But I do know I want to find out."

His father gave him a long, assessing look before nodding. "Then do it right. Be clear with your intentions. And most importantly, be sure this is what you want."

Raymond didn't need any more convincing.

He had made up his mind.

The next evening, Raymond found Lilian in the school garden, sitting quietly on a

"You look like you've been thinking hard about something," she teased.

Raymond chuckled, taking a seat beside her. "I have. And it's about you."

Lilian blinked in surprise. "Me?"

He turned to face her fully, his expression serious. "Lilian, I like you. More than just a friend or colleague. And I don't want to dance around it anymore. I want us to be together—officially."

For a moment, she just stared at him. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her face.

"You're serious?" she asked softly.

"Very."

Lilian looked down, biting her lip as if weighing her options. But when she met his eyes again, there was warmth in them.

"Then I guess we have something to talk about," she said.

Raymond grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

She laughed, and as they sat there, side by side, Raymond felt a sense of certainty settle over him.

This was just the beginning.

Lilian had thought about how to tell Dennis all morning. She knew it wasn't necessary—after all, they were just friends—but something about the situation felt heavier than it should. Maybe because, deep down, she had always valued Dennis' opinion. Maybe because a part of her wondered if this would change things between them.

She found him in the staffroom during lunch, flipping through a book absentmindedly. He glanced up as she approached, offering a small smile.

"Hey," he greeted. "You look like you have something to say."

Lilian exhaled. "I do."

Dennis set his book down, waiting.

She hesitated for a second before forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Raymond asked me to be his girlfriend."

Dennis' fingers twitched slightly, but his face gave away nothing. "Oh," he said, his tone carefully neutral.

Lilian swallowed. "I said yes."

There was a beat of silence.

Then Dennis nodded slowly, offering her a small, unreadable smile. "That's great, Lilian. I'm happy for you."

Something in his voice didn't sit right with her, but she chose to ignore it. She had wanted reassurance, and she had gotten it.

"Thanks," she said softly.

Dennis picked up his book again, but she noticed how he didn't turn the page.

Later that evening, Dennis found himself at a small café, sitting across from Annie. She had always been a good listener, and tonight, he needed that more than anything.

"So," she said, stirring her tea. "What's with the long face?"

Dennis let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. "Lilian told me she's dating Raymond now."

Annie arched an eyebrow. "And how do you feel about that?"

Dennis let out a short, humorless laugh. "Like an idiot. Like I should've said something before now."

Annie leaned back in her chair, watching him closely. "You could've."

"Yeah, well, I didn't," Dennis muttered. "And now it's too late."

Annie sighed. "Dennis, you knew this could happen. You chose to stay silent."

"I thought I had time," he admitted quietly.

Annie shook her head. "Love doesn't wait, Dennis. It moves forward."

Dennis stared at his coffee, feeling the weight of her words settle in his chest.

Annie had been married for just five years but she knows exactly the right word to say to him.

He should have listened to her afterall.

Can he still open up to Lilian.

Or maybe it's too late.

He battles with regret as he watched,Annie's husband drove off after coming to pick his wife.