chapter 14

The morning was crisp as Ethan, Lily, Chloe, and Miles walked through the school gates together. They made their way through the morning crowd, rushing to class before the bell rang.

Lily and Chloe were deep in conversation about a newly released edition of their favorite magazine, their voices animated as they flipped through the pages.

“I still think the spring collection was better,” Chloe said, pointing at a page. “Red and green isn’t a summer color. It’s like going out as a Christmas tree. ”

“Come on. It’s not that bad. If you pair it with yellow boots instead of brown, it would be better. ”

Miles, walking beside them, glanced over at the magazine with mild interest. “Hmm, she really does look like a Christmas tree,” he mused.

“You both don’t know style.” Lily pouted. 

“See,” Chloe smirked. “He gets it, truly the soul of an artist.”

Ethan walked slightly behind them with his hands in his pockets, mostly listening, though he threw in an occasional remark whenever they asked his opinion on what skirt or top to buy.

Miles was now fully integrated into their friend group. He didn’t particularly like it, but he had gotten used to it. And to be fair, Miles wasn’t a bad person. Annoying, very, but not bad.

The first bell rang, signaling the start of lessons, and they quickly made their way to the classroom.

 Ethan had just settled into his seat, still opening his bag to grab his books, when the door opened.

A staff member walked in, her eyes scanning the room before speaking.

“Ethan Blackwell, your attention is needed in the principal’s office.”

A few students turned to look at him, curious.

Ethan expressionlessly stood up.

Lily turned to him, playing a hand on his arm. “Should I come with you?” she asked, worry written all over her face. The last time Ethan had been called out…

“It shouldn’t be anything serious,” Ethan assured her, patting her hand.

Lily nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. 

He pushed his chair back, stood up, and followed the staff member out of the classroom. His mind ran through the possibilities, wondering why he was being called out of class so early. If it had been about competition, he would only have been informed by the teacher in charge, not the principal.

The moment he stepped inside the principal’s office, he froze.

A young girl stood dressed in casual wear, unlike other students who wore uniforms. Her hair was neatly tied back, her posture was straight and elegant. 

Ethan’s gaze shifted.

His father sat in one of the chairs, perfectly composed, dressed in a tailored dark suit. The cut and style were different from what he used to wear when his mom was alive.

Ethan’s gaze went to the broach pinned to his lapel– his mom had bought it for him.

How dare he wear it after everything? After betraying her.

He had already married his mistress.

And yet, he had the audacity to wear her broach. 

Beside him sat another man about the same age as him. The resemblance between him and the girl was obvious–they had the same sharp features.

The principal smiled warmly. “Please, take a seat.”

Ethan didn’t move.

His father shot him a disaproving glance before speaking. “This is Stacy–Stacy Peters– the daughter of one of the company’s business partners. She has just transferred to your school. You should take care of her and tutor her in subjects she’s not strong in.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “I don’t think I can be of much help.”

His father exhaled slowly, like he was dealing with a rebellious child.

 “As the Blackwell heir, you should be more responsible.”

Blackwell heir? 

Ethan almost scoffed.

He didn’t believe that woman would allow it. He had overheard her sweet-talking his dad into transfer some shares to her son. 

“I don’t have time for this,” Ethan said coolly. “I already busy with my own school work, and I help Lily—” He cut himself off, knowing his father wouldn’t care.

“Ethan–” his father started, his voice rising.

Stacy’s father chuckled. “John, don’t be angry. It’s probably because the kids are just meeting for the first time. They’re not yet familiar.”

“Yes. Yes,” the principal added, eager to smooth things over. “Teenagers, especially boys, tend to be shy around girls.”

Shy?

He wasn’t shy.

He didn’t want any part in this.

The principal continued. ““Stacy is an excellent student, but she just needs a little help with maths. Since you would be in the same class, it’s more convenient for you to help her. ”

Ethan said nothing.

His father’s gaze was unwavering. “Understood?”

Ethan clenched his fists. 

Once again, his father was making decisions without even discussing them with him and was expecting him to obey–no questions asked.

He knew arguing further won’t produce any result, so he simply responded, voice cold. “Yes, sir, I’ll get back to class now. Please excuse me.”

Without waiting for a response, Ethan stormed out of the office.

“Stop right there.”

Ethan kept walking.

His father’s footsteps were quick behind him.

Then suddenly–

 A firm grip on his arm.

Ethan yanked his arm away, turning to face his father. “How may I help you?”

 “Why are you acting like a child?” His father’s gaze was unreadable, but his voice was low but firm. “Is it so difficult for you to take care of someone else? She’s a young girl that doesn’t have any friends here.”

Ethan let out a sharp breath, his eyes burning with resentment.

“I guess I didn’t inherit your gene of taking care of multiple women at the same time.”

Slap. 

The sound echoed across the silent school hallway.

His father’s hand whipped across his face. The force of it jerked Ethan’s head to the side, and his cheek burned from the impact.

Ethan turned to face him, his hands clenched at his side.

“Do you feel better now?” he asked mockingly, his voice calm. 

He raised his hand to Ethan’s face, regret crowding his features.

“I–”

“You’re what? Sorry?” Ethan took a step back. “No need.”