Sunlight streamed through the threadbare curtains that barely shielded the window of Ashley's small room. The morning rays slipped through the gaps, casting soft patterns on the peeling walls. As she blinked against the brightness, her gaze wandered to the curtains. The seams were fraying, and tiny holes peppered the fabric—worn reminders that these were hand-me-downs from a far less privileged home. Which, of course, they were.
Ashley stretched beneath her thin blanket and let out a sigh. Today was Monday—the start of a new school term. She hadn't set her alarm since the holidays began, and although it hadn't rung, the persistent sunlight had done the job. She sat up slowly, brushing strands of hair from her face as reality settled in.
Kneeling beside her bed, she whispered a quiet prayer. When she rose, she began folding her futon and setting it over the lumpy, creaking mattress that had seen better days. Her thoughts, however, drifted away from the physical task. A familiar weight settled in her chest.
Back to school.
Back to enduring the whispers, the pointed stares, and the snide remarks from students like Chloe Reid and her entitled circle. Being from a low-income background in a school full of wealthy kids wasn't easy. But this was her last semester of high school. Just a few more months.
At least Emily would be safe this term, Ashley told herself. A small smile played on her lips. Thanks to her hard-earned scholarship, she didn't have to worry about tuition anymore. That, at least, was something.
Realizing time was slipping by, she sprang to her feet and dashed to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth and getting dressed in a hurry, she tied her hair back and grabbed her backpack.
Racing downstairs, the smell of toasted bread greeted her. Her younger brother was already seated at the wobbly dining table.
"Hey, big sis," Dave mumbled with a mouthful of bread.
Ashley paused for a second, eyeing the single slice on his plate. "Isn't it too early to be eating?" she teased, even as she grabbed a piece for herself. She didn't have time to sit and eat, so she stuffed a bite into her mouth.
"You're one to talk," Dave said with a smirk. "Aren't you late?"
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, her mouth still half-full, and bolted for the door. She barely heard his laughter as she sprinted down the street.
Dave attended a public school, which wasn't resuming until next week. She envied that a little.
Ashley reached the bus stop just as the bus was revving its engine. She waved frantically and hopped on, breathing a sigh of relief as the door closed behind her.
****
**Meanwhile, at the Banks Mansion…**
The grand curtains of the Banks estate parted as the morning sun poured into Jason's room. The gentle chime of classical music echoed softly as his butler entered, gently waking him from sleep. Everything was already laid out—his uniform, polished shoes, even a glass of fresh juice on his nightstand.
Jason yawned and stretched before slipping into his clothes. Moments later, he descended the wide staircase, heading to the only place the entire family met during the day—the formal dining room.
"Hey, Dad," he greeted as he sat at the long, gleaming table. His father, hidden behind a large newspaper, gave only a curt nod in return.
"Good morning, Mom," Jason added with more warmth, sitting beside her.
"How was your night, my dear?" she asked with a gentle smile. Her voice was light, almost musical, as she continued eating her breakfast.
"It was good, Mom," he replied, looking at her more closely.
Though she was technically his stepmother, Jason often forgot that detail. She was stunning—radiant blue eyes, porcelain skin, a perfectly sculpted nose. Even now, years after marrying his father, she looked barely older than his elder brother, Ryan. In fact, she was only five years older than Jason himself. She had married into the family at just eighteen, following his mother's scandalous departure with her ex-lover.
Jason could still recall that day. A tall, elegant woman had entered their lives, beautiful beyond belief, and yet kind. Too kind, Ryan had said. He called her a gold-digger and treated her with cold disdain. But Jason... Jason had waited to see the cracks, the false kindness, the wickedness beneath her calm. It never came.
She remained patient, even affectionate, hoping Ryan would someday accept her. That day never came.
Jason finished his breakfast quickly but lingered at the table, chatting with her as he waited for the school bus. To the outside world, he might appear to be a celebrity or heir to a great fortune. But no one at school knew his true status.
He had chosen anonymity.
While others flaunted luxury cars and expensive gadgets, Jason took the school bus. He did it intentionally—preferring to blend in. After all, he bore his father's last name, not his grandfather's. And while his father was wealthy, he was nothing compared to the true titan of the family: Blackson, Jason's grandfather and the richest man in the city.
Jason knew he was the old man's favorite. He hoped, perhaps foolishly, to inherit something... anything.
The sharp honk of the bus pulled him from his thoughts.
Grabbing his backpack, he pecked his father on the cheek, then turned to his stepmother. Without fail, every morning for the past six years, he ended their exchange with a soft kiss on her lips.
She smiled as she pulled out her phone. "Bye," she said, as if it were any ordinary day.
Jason walked away, his mind stirring.
Sometimes, he wondered what the point of school was when his life was already paved with wealth and opportunity. But his father was insistent—education was non-negotiable. And so, Jason obeyed.
As the bus pulled away, he stared blankly out the window.
"Another boring day at school," he muttered to himself.