The punching bag swung back hard, smacking Leo's shoulder as sweat ran down his jaw. He didn't flinch. His fists moved on autopilot—jab, cross, hook. The dull thud, thud, thud echoed through the private gym.
This was how he cleared his head.
Until his phone buzzed on the bench.
He paused mid-combo, chest rising and falling. The screen lit up with a single name.
Father.
Leo wiped his hands on a towel and picked up. "Yes."
Gabriel Ashford's voice came through sharp and steady, like always. "You'll be returning home."
Leo grabbed his water bottle, drinking slowly. "When?"
"One week. You'll be starting at Ashbourne Academy."
He froze for just a second. Ashbourne? He'd heard of it. Everyone had. The academy where heirs, politicians' kids, and future powerhouses of the world studied. A place where connections meant more than grades.
"Understood," Leo said.
The line went dead. No explanation. No 'how are you.' Not even a goodbye. Just orders.
He stared at the silent phone, then tossed it back onto the bench. Same as always.
---
One week later, the jet touched down.
Leo stepped out into the cool air, his sharp gaze scanning the glowing city skyline in the distance. Fourteen years abroad. Now he was back.
A driver bowed as he approached. "Welcome back, Young Master Ashford. The car is waiting."
Leo slid into the limousine, leaning back against the leather seat as the city lights blurred past the tinted glass. Home, huh? Didn't feel like it.
---
The car stopped in front of a modern, sprawling complex of glass and stone—Ashbourne Academy's private dorms. Students came and went through the gates, but none paid much attention to the limousine.
Good.
Inside, staff led him up to the top floor. His suite wasn't just large—it was luxury hotel large. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a private study, his own kitchen, even a balcony with a view of the entire city.
Better than most five-star hotels. Typical Ashford treatment.
Leo dropped his bags, rolled his shoulders, and took one long breath. Then he checked his phone.
Another message from his father's assistant:
> Your father is waiting in the study.
Leo exhaled. Of course. Not even a full night to settle in.
---
By the time he arrived at the Ashford estate, the sky had already gone dark. The mansion stood like a fortress, the gates sliding open without a sound.
The butler led him straight to the study.
Gabriel Ashford sat behind a desk, pen moving across a stack of papers. He didn't look up until Leo was standing right in front of him.
"You've grown."
Leo simply stood, saying nothing.
"You'll begin at Ashbourne next week," Gabriel continued. His tone was flat, businesslike. "That school will shape the people you stand beside for the rest of your life. Learn what you need to. Don't waste it."
Leo met his father's gaze, steady and calm. "I won't."
For a moment, his eyes flickered to the corner of the desk. A photo frame sat there—his father, much younger, standing beside a woman with soft eyes and a warm smile.
His mother.
The room suddenly felt heavier. He wanted to ask. Just once. But he knew better than to ask about his mother. Gabriel was already reaching for the next document, the pen signing once again.
The conversation was over.
Leo left without another word.
---
He stayed the night at the mansion.
The next morning, the car was waiting.
Leo straightened his uniform—black blazer, white shirt, Ashbourne's crest on the pocket. The ride was silent, tension hanging in the air as the gates of Ashbourne Academy loomed closer.
The limousine slowed as the academy gates came into view. Students were already milling about, clustered in groups, laughing, whispering.
The car stopped at the entrance and the driver circled to open the door.
Leo stepped out.
For a heartbeat, silence.
Then—
"Wait… is that him?" someone whispered.
"Leo Ashford… the Ashford heir?"
....
Author's Note💙
Heyeveryone 👋
This is my very first webnovel and I'm super excited and a bit nervous 🤭 to share it with all of you.
Thank you so much for giving this story a chance. Your comments, theories, and support will keep me going (seriously, you have no idea how much they'll mean)😉
Thanks once again and see you in the next chapter ❤️
Nyra Vale ❤️