The Gray family mansion looms on the edge of town, this massive marble-and-glass beast glowing creepy under security lights.
Inside, the dining room's a total flex—long shiny wood table you could see your face in, a wild chandelier blasting light like a frozen party, and tall windows with heavy curtains slammed shut, turning it into a stuffy trap.
Lucian Gray slouches at the far end, sunk into a dumb cream chair.
At seventeen, his sharp face—high cheekbones and a constant frown—screams he's done with this. His wild dark hair flops past his ears, a total rebellion against the family's perfect look.
He wears a plain black shirt, sleeves rolled up, showing off arms toned from secret night runs.
His stormy gray eyes dodge the untouched duck liver and wine that looks like blood.
Gareth Gray, Lucian's father sits at the head, acting like a king.
Silver streaks run through his combed-back hair, jaw locked like he's unbreakable, and those gray eyes scan the room like he's in charge.
Even for dinner, he's in a sharp suit, shirt so crisp it hurts to look at.
He drops his knife—scrape goes the plate—and smirks.
"I got good news," he booms, all proud. "Gareth Gray Holdings scored a gov award today—proof we're legit and good for the community." He pauses, soaking it up.
Sophia Gray, Lucian's mother, she clinks her glass, flashing a fake smile that doesn't reach her cold blue eyes.
Her blonde hair's twisted up, showing off her Botox-smooth face and sharp cheekbones. Her glasses sit on her nose, and her ivory dress with dangling pearls shimmers.
"Gareth, that's awesome!" she chirps, voice all fake. "You deserve it, babe!" She grabs his hand, pink nails stroking like it's a rom-com.
Steven Gray, the oldest son, leans back, grinning like a star, broad shoulders in a blazer, hair perfect like a model.
His green eyes sparkle with fake admiration. "Congrats, Dad! Epic. We're untouchable!" he says, raising his glass like a pro.
Lucian shifts, chair groaning.
His fork hovers over the duck, nausea hitting.
"Yeah, congrats," he mumbles, forcing a lame smile.
He knows the truth—night whispers, sneaky file peeks. His father's biz runs on trafficking, drugs, and shady deals. This award's a joke, covering their crap.
Watching them cheer makes him sick, glass clinks like nails on a board.
Sophia squeezes Gareth's hand, staring like he's a hero. "I knew I picked the right man," she whispers, all lovey. "Love you darling."
She kisses his cheek, pearls glinting mockingly.
Lucian freezes, eyes wide.
That kiss? Bull. He'd seen her sneak off with Lord Everard Finch at the last gala, giggling behind a door—not even the first time.
Her "empowerment" gig? More like "em-power-her"—a scam to hook up with big shots.
The hypocrisy stabs him, this room choking him as the food reeks.
---
Steam curls from the bathroom as Lucian steps into his room, towel messing his hair.
It's cold, bare—neat bed, dusty schoolbooks on a desk, big window showing dark grounds. Feels like a stranger's spot. His robe on, he dries off when a knock bangs.
Steven strolls in, tall,his hair flawless. He shuts the door, eyes locking on Lucian, serious.
"Mom says you should pick an outfit for the gala tomorrow. Look decent, okay?"
Lucian drops the towel, eyes narrowing. "Fine," he grunts, pissed.
Steven steps closer, voice low and mean."You know, it wouldn't kill you to act like a Gray?. Father doesn't like your attitude but he pretends not to see it, it's actually very pissing,"
His words hit hard, tied to that secret—Lucian caught him kissing a guy at a party, a panicked cover-up. Parents don't know, and he's terrified.
"Stop rocking the boat, or you'll regret it," he hisses, then leaves, door slamming.
Lucian clenches his fists, raging.
He hates Steven—his golden lie mirrors his Father's and Mother's. That party memory burns—Steven's scared eyes, the threat.
His phone buzzes. "The Dynamic trio" lights up.
Kelvin (Star Player): "Who's up?"
Lucian's fingers moved slowly over the keys, a smirk showing up on his face as he typed.
Lucian: "I'm up."
Kelvin (Star Player): "How are you doing, Ash?". (Lucian's friends called him Ash).
Lucian: "Same crap. I Hate this messed up world, I'm living in."
Kelvin (Star Player): "*laugh emoji* You know I'll Trade your life for mine, rich boy!"
Lucian:"Trust me, it's not as good as it Seems"
Kevin(Star player):"I know"*laugh emoji*
Lucian laughed, a wide smile now evident on his face, He laid on his bed, his phone still in hand as he typed again.
Lucian: Where's Noah?
Noah (Brainaic): "I'm here. Was just about to sleep? What's up?"
Kelvin (Star Player):" Since we are on break! There this city fest happening tomorrow, at the city center—why don't we pull up!"
Noah(Brainaic): " I''m attending a book signing earlier, I could join in from there, sure"
Lucian: "My mom is having one of her gala's tomorrow"
Kelvin (Star Player): "Ditch it! Your good at ditching stuff"
Noah (Brainaic): " Your mom holds so many gala's, you could attend the next, lol"
Kelvin (Star Player): "You're Ash— the escape king, the most intelligent person I know, make up some excuse!"
Noah (The Brain): "Yeah."
Lucian grins, typing, "I'll bail." Feels like a win.
---
Sunlight spilled into the foyer as Lucian faced his parents, his backpack slung over his shoulder.
The grand space—marble floors gleaming like ice, a sweeping staircase rising like a throne's approach, and a chandelier overhead casting delicate patterns on the walls—felt more like a stage than a home, every detail a testament to their curated image.
He kept his voice steady, adjusting his plan on the fly with a careful breath.
"I've got a school program today. It's impromptu—a get-together to learn some stuff, connect with others, you know, build skills."
Gareth's slate-gray eyes narrowed, his broad frame stiffening as he set his coffee cup down with a deliberate clink, the sound sharp in the quiet.
"It doesn't sound important, your still attending the gala,Lucian. You need to be there. Family comes first, and this is non-negotiable. We can't have you skipping out on our obligations."
Sophia stepped closer, her ivory dress rustling like dry leaves. Her cool blue eyes met his with a firm nod, her posture rigid with authority.
"Your father's right. This gala is crucial for our image. You have to attend—no excuses. We need you there to show unity."
Lucian's jaw tightened, his fingers curling around the strap of his backpack, but a slow, calculated shift crept into his tone, edged with a quiet, dangerous threat.
He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to a near whisper.
"Maybe the gala won't be so bad after all. I'd like to introduce you, Father to Lord Everard. I forgot—he's supposed to be there tonight."
His gray eyes locked on Sophia, the name hanging like a dagger between them, a silent reminder of her secret that could shatter their perfect world.
Sophia's smile faltered, her hand trembling slightly as she understood the blackmail.
Her affair with Lord Everard was a secret she guarded with a fierce, desperate grip, and Lucian's knowledge could unravel her carefully built facade, exposing her to Gareth's wrath.
"Gareth, dear," she said quickly, her voice softening as she placed a hand on his arm, her nails digging into his sleeve, "let him go to his school program. It's important for his future. We can't hold him back." Her eyes pleaded with her husband,a flicker of panic in her gaze.
Gareth frowned, his brow furrowing as he opened his mouth to protest, his voice rising. "Sophia, this is ridiculous. He needs to—"
"No," she interrupted, squeezing his arm with a force that belied her delicate appearance, her tone firm and unyielding.
"He should go. We'll manage without him. It's fine." Her smile returned, hollow and forced, her gaze darting to Lucian with a mix of fear and resentment, a silent acknowledgment of his power play.
Lucian's lips curved into a triumphant smile, the victory sharp and cold as he turned to leave, the mansion's weight lifting from his shoulders.
--
The car pulled up at the city's edge, the private driver nodding with a quiet respect as Lucian stepped out, his backpack bouncing against his back.
The festival buzzed with life—crowds weaving under colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, street musicians strumming lively tunes that danced through the air, and the rich, savory smell of fried food wafting from stalls lining the cobblestone streets.
The afternoon sun cast long, playful shadows over the scene, the chatter a joyful hum that wrapped around him like a warm embrace.
"Ash!" Noah's voice rang out, clear and welcoming, and Lucian turned to see him pushing through the crowd.
Noah was solid, his broad shoulders filling a gray hoodie, his short black hair tousled from the excitement.
His warm brown eyes crinkled with a grin as he gave Lucian a playful shove, his strength gentle but firm.
"Made it, huh? Thought you'd be stuck in that gala prison. Good to see you, man."
Kelvin darted up next, wiry and brimming with energy, his graphic tee bright against the muted tones of his cargo shorts, a backward cap perched jauntily on his messy blond hair.
His hazel eyes sparkled with mischief as he laughed, a sound that cut through the noise
. "Finally, Ash! Thought you'd bail for that fancy party! Good to see you, man—knew you'd pull it off!"
Lucian—Ash here—chuckled, the sound light and free, a release from the tension that had coiled within him.
"I'll do anything to get out of that catastrophe they call family"...
Continue to the next part...