Garson pulled up to the estate, his tires crunching softly over the marble-dusted driveway. The car's engine hushed, leaving only the gentle rustle of the sycamore trees lining the entrance. He stepped out, sunglasses catching the reflection of the monument before him.
His father's mansion wasn't just big—it was legendary. A sprawling neoclassical masterpiece it rose from the earth like a palace torn from the pages of mythology. White stone columns framed the double doors, which stood at least ten feet tall and were carved with intricate lion motifs—symbolic, intimidating, unapologetically extra.
Windows the size of cinema screens glistened in the afternoon light, and at the very top, a domed skylight sparkled like a diamond crown. Ivy curled artfully up the walls—not messy, oh no—perfectly maintained like it was designed by a Parisian Garden witch.
The driveway split off into a loop around a fountain with actual golden koi fish swimming lazily inside. Because of course. And from somewhere behind the mansion, Garson could hear the faint hum of classical music playing—either from the indoor orchestra room or the garden speakers nestled in the roses. You never really knew with his dad.
But Garson didn't smile.
He didn't admire the luxury like he used to as a kid.
He just sighed—because even in all this luxury, the one thing he truly longed for was nowhere to be found.
He entered the mansion, his footsteps echoing on the polished marble floor. His father was seated on the grand leather sofa, his stepmother perched beside him, poised like she belonged there.
"Hey, Dad," said Garson, his face expressionless.
"Your mother's been saying you go out to parties and recklessly spend money on useless things," his father said, voice laced with anger.
"I think she misunderstood," Garson replied flatly. "But please, ask your wife to stay out of my life."
He didn't look up. His gaze was fixed on the floor, heavy with everything he couldn't say.
His father's voice rose. "What's wrong with you? And what kind of words are those?!"
"Whatever I said is correct, Dad," Garson muttered, the hurt flashing in his eyes like a crack in glass.
"Can't you be more like your brother James? He's just a year younger than you, and look how disciplined he is," his father barked, the anger boiling over.
Garson snapped.
"DAD, NEITHER IS HE MY BROTHER, NOR IS THAT LADY MY MOTHER. THAT'S IT!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the mansion's hollow luxury.
And with that, he stormed up the staircase, disappearing into his room, slamming the door on a world that never truly felt like his.
He entered his room and sank into his chair, closing his eyes as if trying to escape the chaos downstairs.
Suddenly, a soft notification ping broke the silence. He glanced at his phone.
Danna:It's completed now. Check it, good work dumb head. A small smile tugged at his lips—uninvited, but unstoppable. It crept onto his face like a whisper of sunlight breaking through a storm.
He closed his eyes again, but this time… the weight on his chest didn't feel quite as heavy.
The morning sun poured into the gymnasium, lighting up the polished floor. It was sports class, and everyone was already in their activewear, the room buzzing with chatter and energy.
Then the door opened—and in walked Garson and Aiden.
Conversation paused. Heads turned. It was impossible not to look. The two of them had that kind of presence—the kind that made people whisper, stare, and pretend they weren't doing either. Garson smirked as his eyes found Danna across the room.
But Danna didn't smile. She didn't even flinch. Her expression stayed blank, unreadable—as if his arrival meant absolutely nothing.
Garson's smirk twitched, faltering for half a second.
Meanwhile, Natalia's gaze drifted toward Aiden. She smiled—bright and open.
And Aiden? He smiled right back.
Mr. Charlie walked onto the running track, a Dodgeball in his hand.
"Alright, first—ten laps around the ground, then we'll play dodgeball!" he announced, already blowing his whistle.
Groans filled the air, but everyone started running. Ten full rounds later, the class looked like they'd just survived a marathon.
"Okay, class—five-minute water break," Mr. Charlie called out. "Then head to the indoor court!"
Danna and Natalia, both out of breath, dropped onto the bench nearby, wiping sweat from their foreheads.
Garson, Grace, and Aiden stood a little farther off, laughing and chatting like they weren't even tired. Grace tossed her hair back as she giggled at something Garson said.
Natalia leaned in, eyes on the group. "Don't you think Garson likes Grace?" she asked, a teasing smirk on her lips.
Danna glanced in their direction for a moment."Who cares," she said flatly, turning her face away.
But the way her jaw tightened? Yeah… she definitely cared.
"You seem tired, Miss Coffee," Garson said with a smirk as he walked up to the bench where Danna was seated.
Danna didn't even look at him.
"I don't think you should be talking to me," she said coolly. "Go back to your friends."
Her tone was sharp—just enough to sting. She stood up, brushing past him as she started walking toward the indoor court. The break was nearly over, and she wasn't about to waste another second near him.
Garson blinked, caught off guard.
What... just happened?
The Dodgeball match was about to begin. The teams were being announced, students buzzing with excitement, adjusting their shoes and tying up hair.
And then—fate did its thing again.
Garson and Danna... on the same team.
So was Grace.
Across the court, Aiden and Natalia ended up together on the opposing side.
Danna didn't say a word. She just stood silently as Garson made his way over, holding the ball like he had all the confidence in the world.
Grace gave him a playful nudge and giggled. Danna looked the other way.
Garson glanced at Danna, who still hadn't made eye contact.This was going to be a long game.
The indoor space buzzed with energy as dodgeball was about to begin.
The rules were simple:One team stood in a wide circle, holding the balls, while the other team sent a few players into the center. The goal? Hit the players in the middle without getting tagged yourself.
First round: Aiden and Natalia stepped into the circle, standing back-to-back like they were ready for anything.
Balls flew from every direction.
Aiden dodged smoothly—quick side-steps, low crouches, spinning just in time.Natalia let out a sharp laugh every time a ball zipped past, ducking and diving but somehow staying safe.
Shouts and laughter filled the room. Danna and Garson were in full swing, tossing the ball back and forth with sharp precision. Their teamwork was electric—they caught several players off guard, sending opponents out one by one.
Finally, in a quick, smooth move, they caught Natalia and Aiden, sealing the round with a victorious grin.
It was time for the second round.
Danna, Garson, and Grace stepped into the circle, ready—or at least expected—to dodge the incoming storm of balls.
Danna's jaw was tight, her eyes sharp, clearly not thrilled to be here.Garson wore his usual confident smirk, bouncing lightly on his feet, acting like he owned the game.Grace was practically buzzing with excitement, her eyes sparkling.
The opposing team gripped their balls, aiming carefully.
The whistle blew.
And the dodgeball chaos exploded.
After a few quick dodges, Grace was out—her face flashing disappointment as she stepped aside. One by one, more players got hit and left the game.
Now, it was down to just Garson and Danna.
Both locked in, eyes sharp, bodies ready. They dodged ball after ball with incredible focus, moving like a well-oiled machine.
But then—disaster.
As Danna dodged a fast throw, she twisted her ankle badly and went down with a sharp wince, collapsing onto the floor.
Garson's focus shattered instantly. The team saw their chance and fired the balls toward her.
Without hesitation, Garson threw himself in front of her.
The ball slammed hard against his back.
Pain shot through him, but he stayed standing.
"Are you okay, Miss Coffee?" Garson asked, worry creeping into his voice.
Everyone stopped, eyes turning toward Danna.
"Natalia stepped forward, concern written all over her face. 'Danna, are you alright?'"
Before anyone could answer, Mr. Charlie's voice cut through the noise."Someone help take her to the clinic."
Without a second thought, Garson bent down and carefully picked her up in his arms.
He started walking toward the exit, determination in every step.
Danna was stunned—too shocked to say a word as Garson carried her.Around them, whispers and gasps filled the air.Grace's eyes narrowed, her jaw tight, jealousy flashing like fire behind her gaze.