Dawn of Spring

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The next day, Vivaan found himself seated on a chair across from the manager. It was no secret that he was attractive to women, regardless of their age difference. He was sure he'd be able to get what he wanted out of the meeting.

He glanced at his watch with a surprised expression and said, "Wow, an hour has already flown by! Time flies when you're enjoying yourself."

He flashed a smile full of charisma.

"It has only been ten minutes," Miss Smith said sternly as she looked up from her desk, adjusting her oval glasses resting on her nose's bridge. She shook her head disapprovingly. "Such despicable conduct will not be tolerated in my school, Mr. Sahini."

Way to ruin man's ego.

He felt the urge to chuckle, imagining his brother's reaction if he were to meet this strict-elderly woman.

Vivaan ignored the bespectacled lady in front of him, sagging in his chair like a child and exhibiting extremely unprofessional behavior. He had no interest in being here. It's not like this was his first choice of profession. Heck, this wasn't his choice at all. The sooner she recognizes this, the quicker he'll pack his belongings and leave.

The manager watched him silently while contemplating her options. Her demeanor was stern and cold. "If it hadn't been for your mother's donation, I would have fired you immediately! Get out of here!"

Sighing, he sank back in his chair and rubbed his forehead. Drawing himself together again, he sat up straight and then stood. He dropped his chin in a curt nod and dejectedly took his leave to return to class.

After being away from work for a week, he returned with an obnoxious attitude, flirting excessively with any woman who reciprocated his advances. He even went as far as to heap an additional workload on Ahana, whose emotional state was already fragile following their last encounter, and she strangely felt indebted to him. Despite feeling guilty for taking unfair advantage of her, Vivaan felt motivated by his selfishness. After a week of his unacceptable behavior, he felt ashamed and resolved to make amends with Ahana by any means necessary.

Nonetheless, he knew he had pushed the limits too far, so much that he wouldn't be able to get away with it, and they would undoubtedly fire him for his irresponsible behavior.

However, it was as if Lady Luck liked to play tricks on him. She was sneaky.

Ahana was so engrossed in her work that she didn't notice Vivaan's entrance until he slumped into his seat, his face twisted in a scowl. She realized right away that his attempt to rusticate himself had failed. Ahana caught a glimpse of him, then focused back on her work. A sliver of sympathy stirred within her chest.

"You can sit this one out." She spread out numerous booklets on the table and stacked them. "I'll handle it."

His eyes made a quick calculation of the day's strength. The children stared at him in awe and admiration; they were unused to seeing him in such a neat and well-kempt getup. His black hair was combed back from his forehead, and his neatly trimmed beard was tucked into a sharp jawline. He looked much more like the people around him and even wore clothing similar to theirs.

All in all, he looked like them.

A human.

Which was unconvincing to their little curious minds.

They stared at him with wide eyes and mouths half open.

"Let me help you out," he said, disregarding the surprise of her outburst. He took the stack of paper from her grip and started to organize them.