The Day Before Alisha's Parents' Meeting
"Are you really not going to the school?" Aryan's voice rose, his anger barely restrained.
Adam didn't flinch. "It's not that I don't want to," he said calmly. "But my meeting with Mr. Jonas was scheduled a week ago. I can't just cancel it on a whim."
"No one's asking you to cancel," Aryan argued. "Can't you at least delay it a little? She's so excited to introduce you to her friends tomorrow."
Adam folded his arms, his tone firm. "Fine, I'll make a request. But if they refuse, that's the end of this discussion. No more talk about the parents' meeting."
Aryan sighed, knowing his father's words were final. As Adam left, the weight of disappointment settled on his shoulders. He sank onto the sofa, lost in thought—wondering if he'd be able to keep his promise to Alisha.
So deep in thought he didn't even notice when Evan returned from work.
"Aryan… Aryan!"
Startled, Aryan blinked and turned his head. "What?"
