Chapter 2: What’s So Special About Him?

The school day had ended, and most of the children had already gone home. Lara sat in the waiting area, keeping an eye on the last few students still waiting for their guardians when a familiar voice called out to her.

“Lara!”

She turned just in time to see Ali striding toward her, her designer handbag swinging at her side.

“Are you done with class? I’m dying for milk tea,” Ali announced dramatically, flipping her hair as if the mere thought of waiting any longer was unbearable.

Lara chuckled, shaking her head at her best friend’s antics. Ali had been a handful, to say the least, ever since college, but over the years, Lara had learned to handle her quirks with patience. She was high-maintenance, outspoken, occasionally dramatic, and a little too confident for her own good, but beneath all that, she was sweet and fiercely loyal. Life was never boring with her around.

Lara turned to her assistant. “Maera, can you stay with the kids while they wait for their parents?”

Maera nodded, and Lara turned back to Ali, pulling her to the side.

“I thought you were busy? Don’t you have a shoot today?” Lara asked, raising a brow.

Ali groaned, tossing her designer bag onto a nearby chair. “It got canceled—thank God! As much as I love modeling, it can be really exhausting. Remind me again why I chose this career, Lara? I swear, I’m this close to going AWOL.”

Lara laughed. “It’s not too late to switch jobs. Your parents would love it if you joined the family business.”

Ali’s expression turned horrified. “Ew. No way. Just looking at paperwork gives me a migraine.”

“You're so dramatic,” Lara teased, shaking her head.

Ali flipped her hair. “I was born for the runway, not a desk job.” Then, she huffed. “Anyway, how much longer do I have to wait? I need my milk tea fix.”

“Just a little while. A few kids are still waiting for their guardians,” Lara explained, glancing toward the remaining students.

Ali sighed. “Fine, I guess I can wait.” She crossed her arms, then suddenly gave Lara a once-over. “You know, Lara, you could totally be a model. With that face and figure? Why settle for being a kindergarten teacher?”

Lara rolled her eyes. “Hey, don’t say that. I love my job, okay? I enjoy teaching. Besides, modeling isn’t for me. It suits you better.”

Ali sighed in mock disappointment. “Fair enough. Not everyone is born for the runway like me.” She dramatically flipped her hair. “I mean, I was probably born just to add beauty to this world.”

Lara laughed at her arrogance. “Oh, of course. How lucky we all are.”

She grinned. “Well, you should. The world needs someone as stunning as me.”

Lara chuckled. “Oh, please.”

“You know I’m right.”

Lara shook her head, amused. But the lighthearted moment was short-lived when Ali’s expression shifted, turning more serious.

“Anyway... how’s your husband? How’s everything with Lucas?”

Lara stiffened slightly. Ali knew about her marriage, but only bits and pieces. She had never told her the full story—never admitted just how bad things really were. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her; she just didn’t want to be a burden.

Ali studied her silence and frowned. “Oh? Why so quiet? Don’t tell me he’s still treating you like crap?” She groaned in frustration. “Lara, I swear, your husband is trash! Just divorce him already!”

Lara quickly shushed her. “Ali, stop it. You know there’s no divorce in the Philippines.”

Ali rolled her eyes. “Fine. Annulment, then. Whatever. The point is, leave him. He doesn’t deserve you.”

Lara forced a smile. “Enough, Ali. We’re fine, really. He’s just busy with work, so we don’t see each other much.”

Ali scoffed. “Work? That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. Do you hear yourself? Look at you—you’re gorgeous, you’re kind, and you’re literally the perfect wife. Meanwhile, he’s out there being an emotionally constipated jerk. Seriously, what’s so special about him? If I were you, I’d find myself a lover. That would teach him a lesson.”

Lara shot her a pointed look. “That’s never going to happen. You know how much I love Lucas.”

Ali groaned dramatically. “God, you’re hopeless. You’re so in love with a walking red flag!”

Lara stifled a laugh. “You sound more bitter than I do. You don’t even have a boyfriend.”

She shrugged. “That’s because men are trash. It’s like they have collectively decided to be terrible. Even the ugly ones cheat! The audacity!”

Before Ali could rant further, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and scowled.

“Ugh, it’s my manager,” Ali groaned. “I swear, if this is about rescheduling the shoot, I’ll throw a fit.”

She answered the call, her expression darkening with every passing second. After a few minutes, she ended the call with an annoyed sigh. “Damn it! I have to go. The shoot’s back on. The idiot in charge changed his mind last minute.”

Lara winced. “Yikes. He’s in for a rough day.”

“You bet he is.” Ali grabbed her bag, still fuming. “We’ll reschedule our milk tea date, okay? I’ll call you later!”

Lara laughed. “Try not to murder anyone.”

“No promises.” Ali winked before rushing off, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Lara shook her head, smiling to herself. Ali could be a handful, but she appreciated her concern—even if her way of showing it was a little... aggressive.

After Ali left, Lara made her way back to the waiting area to ensure all the children had been picked up. But to her surprise, a small figure was still sitting alone on one of the benches.

“Ram?” Lara called gently.

The little girl lifted her head, revealing tear-stained cheeks.

Lara immediately knelt beside her, gently taking her tiny hands. “Oh, sweetie. It’s okay. Don’t cry.”

“Teacher Lara…” Ram sniffled. “Why isn’t my sister here yet? She promised to pick me up.” Her voice wobbled, and her big, glassy eyes threatened to spill more tears.

Lara’s heart clenched at the sight of her distressed face. She reached out, wiping away a tear trailing down the little girl’s cheek.

She turned to Maera. “Has anyone contacted her guardian?”

“The Admin has been calling, but no one is answering,” Maera explained.

Lara sighed and turned back to Ram. “Don’t be sad, sweetheart. Maybe your sister had an emergency at work,” she said gently. “How about I take you home instead?”

Ram’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Really.” Lara smiled warmly. “Would that be okay with you?”

Ram nodded eagerly. “Yes! Thank you, Teacher Lara!”

Lara brushed a hand over her hair, relieved to see her smile. “Of course, sweetheart. Just wait here, okay? I’ll grab my things and let the admin know.”

After informing the school office, Lara returned to the waiting area with her things.

“Ready to go, Sweetie?” Lara held out her hand.

Ram grinned and slipped her tiny fingers into Lara’s. Together, they walked toward her car, the little girl’s earlier tears now replaced with a bright, innocent smile.

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