The pre-school Atlas chose for his kids was surprisingly... normal.
Lola had heard of and even been in schools where only the rich go. While this wasn’t an entirely ordinary school, it was one that a humble family could afford for a better education.
"We mainly focus on developing the children’s skills and preparing them for higher education. Although there are plenty of activities where we encourage children to compete in other sports or academic categories, it’s not as pressuring as it sounds," said the principal, walking alongside Lola. "Your children will fit right in."
Lola smiled at the principal, stopping in the open corridor where they could see the twins playing with a few other children on the playground.
"I hope they get along with everyone," she said, her eyes soft as she watched the twins. "They’re a bit special, after all."
The principal, an older lady, chuckled. "All children are special."
No, I mean they really are special... in a different way.
"They all are," Lola agreed, keeping her thoughts to herself. "So, they can start tomorrow?"
"Yes!" the principal said. "We already handed you their schedule. As for their uniforms, there are already uniforms available in the office. However, if you wanted it personalized, it’s also fine if they come to school without wearing uniforms yet."
Lola smacked her lips and nodded in understanding. Shifting her eyes back to the twins, a strange feeling crept into her heart.
"They’re growing fast, aren’t they?" the principal hummed, earning Lola’s attention. "You look just like any parent who is sending their children to school for the first time. It’s an emotional ride."
The thing was, Lola had only known the twins for a few weeks, not even a month. The principal reached out and patted Lola’s back.
"It’s alright," the principal said. "It’s a normal feeling."
"Thank you," Lola whispered, appreciating the principal’s welcoming nature.
The two of them quietly watched the children playing on the playground with a smile. It didn’t take long for Lola to understand why Atlas, even though he could have sent his children to a more competitive and expensive school, chose this one.
She would choose this one any day for them, too. It was better than a rip-off school, as this one would preserve the children’s peace and ensure they could enjoy being kids around other children who were more interested in playing instead of building their network at a very young age.
He really isn’t that bad of a parent... sometimes.
****
Hours later, Chacha sat comfortably on Atlas’s lap while Second knelt beside him on the couch.
"And they have a big playground, too!" Chacha stretched her arms wide to demonstrate the school playground’s size. "And the principal was very kind!"
"Father Sir, our teacher is very kind, too!" Second added, tapping Atlas’s shoulder. "We will be good to them!"
Atlas nodded in satisfaction. "Do you like it?"
"Mhm!" they hummed and nodded in unison. "We want to join all the clubs they have!"
"We heard there are competitions we can join, too! Should we?"
Lola pursed her lips, seated on the one-seater while watching the twins happily share their day with their father. Although they always cling to him, watching them today was a particularly heartwarming scene. After all, their father wasn’t the type to show affection and was unfazed by anything. It was the little details he did for them that made things even more touching.
Her brows rose as she glanced at Atlas, who was pondering what Second had said.
Atlas shrugged. "Do it," he said, making Lola secretly smile.
Of course, why would he discourage them?
Her thoughts, however, quickly changed when Atlas suddenly added, "Crush them all."
"Aye, aye, sir~!!"
Lola’s face twitched. It was almost perfect, she thought. Almost!
"Ahem! By the way, I’ll leave you guys here for now." Lola cleared her throat, earning a look from the trio. "Chacha and Second will sleep with your dad tonight, right?"
The three blinked at her, not giving her an answer.
"I just need to do something."
With that, Lola offered them a smile before taking small but quick steps to her room. The three of them watched her go, tilting their heads to the side.
"Penguin," they muttered under their breath, growing very familiar with Lola’s mannerisms.
"Mommy is very cute," Second muttered. "I want to walk like a penguin, too."
"Should we start doing that?" Chacha wondered, earning a look from her brother. But instead of waiting for an answer, the twins turned to their father.
Atlas shrugged in return, only to hear his children say, "Father Sir, when are you going to marry our mommy?" Second pouted. "We already told her someone is invading her territory."
"Did you make her give up on you already?" Chacha added worriedly.
Atlas deadpanned, looking at his impatient children. Whatever they were feeding Lola was something he didn’t want to know. He already had a few guesses.
"You worry too much about this marriage," he said, poking their cheeks until they squished. "I already gave you my word. Just wait for it."
The twins puckered their lips, only to perk up when they thought of someone else.
"Father Sir, where is Uncle?" Chacha asked, noticing that Slater hadn’t gone home yet. "Is he not going home tonight? That’s a bit strange."
Atlas thought about it and cocked his head back. "I have no idea."
****
Meanwhile, at an exclusive restaurant in King’s City...
"Melissa, thank you for inviting us," Pixy said, looking around the luxurious restaurant. "This place is amazing."
Megan was just as pleased to be in this place, all because of Melissa. "Thank you for always thinking of us, Melissa."
Melissa smiled at them. "We’re friends, so of course. You don’t have to thank me for having dinner with my friends."
Pixy and Megan blushed, glancing at each other before setting their gaze back to Melissa.
"By the way, I might need some help tomorrow," Melissa hummed quietly. "You see, my engagement party is approaching. I have a meeting with a few designers, specifically Sun Couture. I want you to come and perhaps choose a few dresses to wear for my engagement party?"
Surprise quickly showed on Pixy and Megan’s faces. "You want us to come...?"
"Of course!" Melissa chuckled. "But only if you want."
"Of course, we want to!"
Melissa smiled, watching both women happily and excitedly talk about the brand and how it was their dream to even wear a single piece. She couldn’t blame them. After all, Sun Couture was one of the powerhouses in fashion.
Little did they know, as they were talking about which designer and shops Melissa would go to, a man seated at a table nearby swirled a glass of wine.
Slater glanced at the table where Melissa, Pixy, and Megan were before he smirked. He then picked up his phone and dialed someone.
The second the line connected, he said, "I want to go shopping tomorrow." He grinned until his eyes squinted. "Actually, I’m in my shopping season. I’ll send you the designers’ names whom I want to clear their schedule for me, not just for a day, but until this season lasts."