The school siren rang and students spilled out like a breaking dam-chatter rising,footsteps echoing down the grand hallways of Montclair Academy.
Lea stood quickly,her hands shaking slightly as she gathered her books.Her goal was clear:get out of classroom before Max or anyone else had a chance to bother her.
In the staffroom,Mr Lawrence's voice was calm but stern.
''Mrs Lancaster,your grades have been slipping.Is something wrong?"Lea's lips moved,''It's nothing.''But her pale face,the dark circles under her eyes,and the way she avoided eye contact betrayed her.
In the background,Theo,tall and composed ,stood near the window speaking with the Maths teacher.He paused as Mr Lawrence's tone sharpened.
''You do realise that this is Montclair Academy right?A place for only the brightest…or the wealthiest in Hampstead.You're lucky that you are here Lea.Your mother's friendship with Mrs Anderson,the principal might have helped you in getting the scholarship but staying here depends on your performance.''Lea coming from a middle-class family,she couldn't afford to go to a school like Montclair Academy.
Lea stiffened.She could see Theo's eyes on her now,and shame burned her chest.
''I understand.l'll work harder,''she mumbled then hurried out of the room.
Now she was heading down the corridor,hugging her books to her chest,wishing she could sink into the floor.
Then-
''Lea...''
She turned,starled.It was Theo.He jogged a few steps to catch up and offered her a
folded piece of paper.
''My number,he said.''If you need any help with any subjects,I'm free most afternoons.'' Lea blinked,stunned.''You…you want to help me?''He chuckled,brushing his forehead.''Of course.Montclair is hard even for me,and I'm not juggling ghosts and rumors.''
Lea stared at the paper in her hand.No one had ever offered to help her-not genuinely,not like this.''Thank you Theo,''she said,voice soft almost unsure.''You're really kind.''He smiled-a real smile,one that reached his warm brown eyes.''Just text me,okay?We'll figure it out.''
Then he reached out and gently ruffled her hair before leaving.
And just like that he disappeared into the crowd.
Lea stood there frozen,the faint scent of cologne lingering, the warmth of his kindness blooming in her chest.For the first time in weeks,she felt…light.Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.Maybe someone actually cared.
She walked slowly,feet dragging,her mind drifting far away.
Theo is so different…The way he looked at me like I wasn't broken…I wonder what it would feel like to...
Thud...
She hit something solid.Hard.
No-someone.
She staggered back a step blinking.
Standing in front of her,one eyebrow slightly arched was Max.He learned against the railing two steps above her,one hand in his pocket and other one holding his phone.
Lea's heart dropped,every instinct telling her to walk away fast. ''You are smiling to yourself,''he said tilting his head,''That's either suspicious...or stupid,''and he churkled mockingly.
Lea just continued walking with her head straight.
''Don't pretend you didn't see me,''he said descending one slow step with both hands in his pockets.''I wasn't pretending,I was hoping,''she muttered without looking at him,turning to continue down.
He clicked his tongue.''Still mad about the mall incident?You're really holding a grudge over a mere necklace,how silly.''She stopped mid-step,her jaw tightened.''You got what
you wanted-the necklace,what else do you want from me?''she said.Max's smile curled,dark and smug.''Oh,don't flatter
yourself…as if there is anything you can offer me.''He leaned in slightly,eyes glittering with arrogance,his tone lowering. ''Relax,madam,don't get too ahead of yourself,''Max said with a sneer.''See you around…little thief.''
And just like that,he turned and strolled up the stairs,hands still in his pockets.
''Aaagh..he is so annoying.If only he was just a quarter nice as Theo is…only a quarter…''Lea murmured to herself.
It was now time for lunch.The school cafeteria was alive with chatter and movement-forks clinking against plates, trays sliding across tables and students buzzing in tightly knit groups.
Max was seated at the center of the cafeteria like a king at his court.Charlie and James,his friends flanked him,laughing at his stories from the U.S basketball,fans,luxurydorms,parties.
''So how was it really?''Charlie asked,his voice eager.''Basketball in the USA?Were you a star,or just a spoiled rich kid dunking on short people?''Max gave a small smirk,effortlessely charming.''A bit of both,I suppose.''Everyone on the table laughs.
Other boys circled like satellites,eager to attach themselves to his orbit.
Then she walked in-Charlotte Pembroke.
Her long legs moved gracefully and the clickclack of her heels on the polished tile cut through the room.Her soft caramel hair tied in a sleek ponytail that swayed with each step.Even her skin glowed like she'd stepped out of a luxary ad.
She did not look around.She didn't have to.People noticed her whether she acknowledged them or not.
She headed straight for Max's table.
''Long time no see,Max,''she said with a small,cute smile.
Everyone who was sitting on the table stood up and left except for Max and Charlie.Charlotte slid into the seat next to Max.
The three of them had been friends since
kindergarten.They weren't just rich-they were royalty at Montclair.Max being the heir to the Thornton group,a luxury hotel empire with historic five-star estates across London;Charlotte,the fashion heiress,came from The Queens group-a brand that ruled English runaways and adorned royalty and Charlie was born into power.His family ran Beumont and Gray,London's most feared and respected law firm.The three of them were indeed popular at Montclair Academy.
''How have you been doing?''Charlotte asked.''What do you think l have been doing…''he replied coolly barely looking up,''just being myself.''She pouted.''I had to hear from your father that you are back,you didn't even tell me.''He smirked,the corner of his lips twitching.''I knew he'd tell you that's why I didn't inform you.''
They both laughed it away-a sound that felt perfectly rehearsed-perfectly timed.
Charlie grinned wide.''I thought you gonna graduate in the States..why come back?Max's tone shifted slightly,his gaze distant.''l lost something here…have to find it.''
Charlotte and Charlie just exchanged looks amazed by how serious Max looked.
Charlotte then tilted her heard.''Is it…me?''
Max touched Charlotte's head and said,''Are you unwell Miss..?''The three of them laugh.
A loud crash broke the moment.Trays clattered to the floor.Laughter followed.
Lea lay sprawled,food everywhere.Jack,one of Chloe's loyal puppets,towered over her.''Oops,my bad.I thought it was a dog.''
The room roared.
From their table,Chloe,Maya and Zoey smirked.Chloe walked over,flipped her tray,and let food spill all over
Lea.''Sorry just trying to feed a dog,"she said sweetly,walking away leaving everyone in tears of laughter.
Theo watched from the side,guilt in his eyes…but also helpless.He slipped out quietly.
''What's with them,''Max asked confused.
Charlie churkled.''You don't know?That's Leaky Lea.Our most famous student.Even more popular than you,''he said laughing.
He recounted the dog incident.Max's expression gave nothing away.
As the three walked out of the cafeteria everyone's attention was on them,Lea,still on the floor wept bitterly.Max then stepped on the broken tray beside her.Hands in his pockets,he looked down at her like a prince visiting the slums.
He made a soft clicking sound with his tongue.''Tsk tsk.''
Then walked away