Leo never liked mornings.
Not because he was lazy – but because every day started with the same thing: being reminded that he wasn't just another high school student. He was Ashford Leo, the only son of the chairman of Ashford Holdings. The Perfectionist. The boy raised to be the best – and nothing less.
He walked into class just before the bell rang. As usual, all eyes turned to him.
"Did you see the way he aced that last exam? Again."
"He's so cold, but like… in a prince kind of way."
"Maybe if I ask him for help, he'll talk to me."
Leo didn't look at any of them. He walked straight to his desk at the back, dropped his bag, and sat down like he didn't hear a thing.
"Good morning, Leo!" Anya's voice broke through the noise.
She stood at the front, adjusting the class register, smiling like always.
School president, full of energy, and somehow always involved in everything. But Leo was still top of the school – academically, athletically, socially. Anya knew too.
She flashed him a grin. "Don't forget to submit your assignments before Friday", she said to the class. "Late work will lose marks".
A few students groaned. Leo didn't react.
Anya walked past his desk, pausing briefly. "You haven't submitted yours either", she said in a teasing voice.
Leo turned slightly. "I didn't forget. I just didn't feel like doing it."
She raised a brow. "Really? Mr. Perfect letting loose? That's rare."
He didn't respond, and she moved on, her laugh fading with her footsteps.
A group of boys approached.
"Yo, Leo, that shot you made during P.E yesterday? Crazy, man."
"You going for the business competition next week? You're basically guaranteed to win."
Leo gave them a polite nod; the kind that said I'm listening but don't get too comfortable. His phone buzzed in his pocket.
Unknown number.
He stood up and walked away without a word, letting their compliments trail off behind him.
He stopped at the back of the school, away from all the noise.
Answered the call.
"Leo speaking"
His father's voice came through – sharp and cold.
"We've finalized your engagement. You'll meet her next week. Her family's connections will help with our Japan expansion."
Leo froze.
"You understand what's expected right?" his father added. "Don't embarrass us."
The call ended.
Leo lowered the phone slowly, staring at the blank screen. For a moment, everything was silent – even the wind felt still.
He thought of Anya's smile. Her voice. The way she looked at him like he was more than a title.
And just like that, he knew what had to happen next.
He had to let her go.
.....
Author's note;
Hi👋 there it's Nyra. Thanks for reading, I hope you continue reading andsupporting my work,it's my first😅.
If you notice anything or you have any complaints or suggestions please feel free to express them in the comment section. I love you all❣️