That night a lot of things changed, Jayce’ status at school was one of them. Killian Ashmore was the member of the board of directors of the school and The Ashmores had the legacy of a noble family. No one dared to defy them. As soon as the news of Jayce’ dad circulated, the entire school went into a frenzy. The teachers’ reaction was no different, they were all aware of the authority Killian Ashmore held not only in school but also in the whole city.
Monday morning.
Jayce came to school as his usual self but he sensed the difference in his surroundings as well as their hushed comments. Jayce had always been used to this, he knew this was expected after all he was the heir of Ashmore Empires. And was no less than a Royal Prince himself.
The only people to greet him as before were Xoan and Ryker. Even though they were a little conscious of their words but their friendship didn’t affect.
“Is he really your father?” Yara asked in a penetrating tone with her brows arched in anticipation.
Jayce felt a little uncomfortable and took a few steps back. “Do you still have doubts?” He asked with uncertainty. Yara’ already glowing eyes lost their twinkle after a while as she realized that Jayce was at a pinnacle, out of her reach. O’Hara was not a small name in the industry but they were poles apart from Ashmore which had a history of centuries.
After Valerie and Yara went to class, Ryker and Xoan pulled Jayce aside for some internal interrogation. “Why didn’t you mention anything about your father before this?” Xoan asked with a complexed emotion. Xoan scrutinized Jayce’ every reaction.
Jayce scratched his head awkwardly before replying, “It’s always been tough to come out of my father’ or my family’ shadow. I wanted to fit in without their involvement.” His voice was orotund and Xoan nodded his head in understanding. He and Ryker understood his words.
They both were living in the shadow of their family. Xoan was always expected to be better than his older brother Trevor. While Ryker was pressured to carry on the family business since he was the only son.
During Lunch Break.
The group occupied their usual table, the boys were on one side while the girls sat opposite of them. Mavi pulled out the lunchbox out of her bag but didn’t push it towards Xoan like she usually did. Instead, she kept tapping it with muddled thoughts.
Finally, she pushed it towards the person sitting right opposite of her, Jayce. He looked at the lunchbox with a bewildered expression.
The whole act couldn’t escape anyone’s eyes on the table but no one made a comment. Yara and Valerie thought she had decided to change her obsession. But Ryker thought there was an underlying secret he wasn’t aware of. On the other hand, after the Friday night party, the relation between Mavi and Jayce was clear to Xoan.
“Don’t look so dumbfounded,” Mavi spoke but her voice was not silvery as it always had been instead it held a tinge of displeasure. “You stayed at the hospital over the weekend. Mrs. Margo thought you would like to eat your favorite dishes since you’ve always despised the hospital food.”
Jayce opened the box to reveal all of his favorite food. “She still remember my preferences,” His voice was low but it reached Mavi’s ears.
“Of course, she does. Everyone has always been in love with the young prince,” Mavi’s sarcasm was so obvious that it caught everyone off guard. She wasn’t the type to use harsh words to hurt someone.
Jayce knew why she pointed that out but he didn’t push it. He simply decided to take delight in the delicacies placed in front of him. Mavi only had a glass of juice in hand. Her attention was focused on the green fields outside and slowly her mind drifted to the time Jayce helped her out on the field.
“May I ask why are you wearing a scarf and gloves today?” Ryker’s sudden closeness broke her train of thoughts. She looked at him skeptically. He pointed towards her scarf and gloves and added, “It’s only the start of October. You can’t possibly be cold in this weather.”
Ryker noticed the way her body stiffened at his question and she averted his gaze. “It’s for the fashion trends. What do you know about it?” It was palpable, she was dodging the question.
Ryker observed her and noticed a mole on her right earlobe giving the illusion of a permanent earing. She not only had big eyes, but her lashes were also long as well, with high cheekbones and defined peculiar face features. He had never taken notice before but at that moment he realized, she indeed was way more beautiful than he thought.
After the last bell.
Everyone was in a hurry to leave the closed walls of the school to step into the cool breeze of freedom outside. Valerie and Xoan were walking side by side while Ryker and Jayce were immersed in talking about sports. Yara was busy talking to one of her new pursuers and Mavi just walked behind with her camera in hand.
The weather was quite pleasant that day. It wasn’t excessively sunny but it was not completely cloudy as well. As they stepped out, their eyes narrowed on the group of guys standing outside the school gate. The guys that beaten Jayce the other night were gathered outside with their heads down. Mavi fixed her glasses and leaned against a car to enjoy the show.
The Feelings Corner 