Chapter 1: The Scholar and The Duke

The sun set rises as many student of Westridge walk towards the gates, some student coming out of their luxurious vehicle, some student walked together talking to each other. The school appearance looks modernized and expensive that only the richest people who can enter and study in this school.

As for one young girl, who dresses the uniform according to the school, her hair look like an half-up rope braid hairstyle. Her skin is light or fair-skinned tone "mestiza". Her name is "Maya Reyes", a simple, yet beautiful and smart girl who attend in the most famous school called "Westridge International School". Maya had earned her place at Westridge through hard work. Recognized by the school’s dean for her outstanding academic performance, she was offered a scholarship—a chance to study among the country’s elite. she's determined to work hard despite of being in the lower class, but Maya will do anything to pay her debt to her grandmother and give her a better life.

She walked towards the school entrance gate. As she look around her surroundings, she find herself out of place because of other students around her. She find some student who dresses their uniform luxurious and elegant, some student group to themselves based on their social circle of friends and she can't find someone whose the same as hers.

Maya took a deep breath, steadying herself, straightening her posture, fixing her strap of her bag and carrying her books as she walked through the entrance of the main hall of the school. As she walked through the crowd. Some of them noticing Maya's appearance, they find her simple look and boring, whispered among themselves, their eyes are landed onto her.

She knew to herself that she's different from others.

"Is that the scholar girl" she overheard one student.

"She doesn't look belong here" another said with an attitude.

Maya ignored those words, refusing herself to be affected to it and walked past them. She had worked too hard for it to let something discourage her.

While she walked through the hallway, she met someone whose not the same as hers.

"Hello. Are you new here?" she asked.

"Yes. I'm new here." Maya said back to one student.

Suddenly, she extended her hand with a friendly smile, offering a handshake.

Her name is "Fei Molina" a rich but loyal, strong and kind girl. Fei is also study at Westridge. She has a supportive vibe around that she'll make you befriended to her.

"I'm Fei Molina. But you can call me "Fei" for short. Ikaw ba yung scholar na napag-uusapan ngayon?" She asked.

Maya smile at first until she's being asked in that way of question. She was confused to her because of her being "talked about" in the school.

"Uhhh wala akong idea tungkol sa sinasabi mo, pero ano ibig mong sabihin?" She asked politely to Fei.

"Aaahhh. Alam mo kasi, lumabas sa kasi sa bulletin board yung results ng Scholarship na gustong mag-aral dito sa Westridge and...ikaw lang kasi yung bukod tanging nakapasa sa Scholarship exam..." She said to Maya.

Her eyes widened as she heard from her that she's the only student who manage to passed the Scholarships exam given by the school itself. She remembers the day of her exams, many students from other school who also tries to take the exam and she's the only one who passed it.

She went immediately to the bulletin board right in the main hallway of the school. There's a lot of papers sticked to the bulletin board like upcoming events, classes, clubs and etc. As she scanned the bulletin board, she found the list of results the Scholarships exam and when she looked at it. Her eyes widened as she saw her name on the list, she's the only one who got passed the exams.

"Ako lang ang nakapasa?!" She wondered as she ask herself if it's true. While she scanned the list, she saw her name listed in the first class were she will be part of it.

Suddenly, a familiar voice occur from behind. "Looks like we're in the same class as you. Tara sabay na tayo." She looped her arms through her as she smile and pulling her along as they walked together.

Maya was confuse to her. She wondered why she's being so kind and close to her despite being a rich girl hanging out with someone like her and she ask.

"Bakit ang bait mo sakin? Alam mo naman na hindi ako katulad mo na mayaman diba?" She asked and she said.

"Hindi na mahalaga sakin kung mahirap ka o mayaman. Basta kung marunong ka maki-sama sa mga nakakasalamuha mo. At saka mabait ka, kaya naisipan ko na makipag-kaibigan sayo." She smiled as she answer her back.

For the first time, Maya felt so happy and relieved as she found someone who does not look at someone's history or their social status despite being poor or the lower class.

As they walked together in the hallway, Fei gently pulled her arm free from her and went to her locker.

"So Maya. Paano nakilala ang school na ito?." Fei asked Maya while putting some stuff in her locker.

She said "Uhm..Nakilala ko lang ang school na ito dahil sa Dean. Dahil sa isa ako sa top graduate sa dating kong school."

"Ay Weh?! Isa ka sa nag graduate sa dati mong school? So matalino ka?"

She replied back.

"Hindi naman masipag lang, kasi nagsumikap ako mag-aral para mabayaran ko ng pabalik yung paghihirap na pagpapalaki sakin ng lola ko, at mabigyan ko siya ng maganda buhay." She replied as she blushed.

Fei smiled as she tell her and she said "Well, Kita ko naman na determinado ka mag-aral. Ako kasi ipinasok lang ako dito, dahil ito yung pinaka maganda school na pwede ako mag-aral. At saka dito din nagtapos yung mga kapatid ko."

Fei was done to her locker and they left as they walked together. While they talking, a tall broad-shoulder figure coming in they're way

She turned to head towards to the hallway when

—BANG!

A strong force collided with her, all of her things fall and scattered on the floors. Before she could react, she saw a tall well-built young man with a muscular physique standing infront of her. His hairstyle was modern slick back and he's wearing a branded jacket from the school underneath the uniform of the school, he wears a black slocks pants and a formal black shoes.

It was Adrian Navarro

His the famous and most handsome student. He's known as "Duke" as he's the one of the rich and smart student here at Westridge. He has a reputation of this school because of they're family's name. Every member of his family graduated here in Westridge of each generation of their family and he is the last member of them.

Everyone was shocked as they witness the little incident happened at Westridge. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some whispered, others stared wide-eyed, waiting for what would happen next.

"Sorry! Hindi ko sinasadya." She said as she trying to fix the situation. She immediately went down and picking up her things that scattered the floor.

His sharp, piercing eyes locked onto hers,

dusted off their clothes, and A scoff left their lips.

"Tumingin ka nga sa dinadaanan mo." He said coldly, he kept walking and never looked back.

The murmurs around them grew louder. Her initial guilt twisted into frustration. She had apologized, hadn’t she?

"Hoy!" She frowned and standing up straight. "Nag sorry na ako diba? Ano problema mo at bakit ikaw pa ang galit?!"

The tense in the atmosphere grew larger.

Adrian immediately stop walking as he heard her talking back to him. He slowly turn around and he said. "Excuse me? Did you just talk to me?"

"Oo, narinig mo naman ako diba? Hindi ka naman bingi para tanungin mo ko ng ganyan." She shot back "Nag sorry na nga ako diba? Bakit ikaw pa ang galit?!"

A wave of gasps echoed through the crowd. Someone even whispered, “Oh no, she’s dead.”

Meanwhile, Fei tries to fix the situation between two of them. "Maya ano ginagawa mo? Hindi—"

Suddenly Adrian smirked, but there was no amusement in their expression. "You've just have guts to talk back to me aren't you? But I hope you know who you're dealing with."

A tense silence filled the air, both of them standing firm, waiting for the other to make the next move.

Maya was about to say something else, a hand clamped around her arm, stopping her mid-sentence.

Fei blinked in confusion, but the grip tightened. "Ano?!" she said to Fei.

"Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" Fei replied.

"Bakit? Sino ba siya?" she said to Fei as she doesn't have any idea who she talking to.

"That's Adrian Navarro. He's the famous and powerful student right here at Westrigde. Kilala siya dito dahil siya ang pinakang mayaman na tao dito, at hindi mo siya gustong kalabanin Maya." Fei whisper to Maya as she explains to her and warn her about him.

"Eh ano naman kung siya ang pinaka makapangyarihan dito sa school na ito! Bakit? Pagmamay-ari niya ba itong school?!" Maya refuse to believe as Fei tries to reason her.

Suddenly, Adrian walked towards to them.

His footsteps were slow, deliberate, echoing through the tense air. Their eyes—cold, sharp, and unwavering—locked onto Maya like a predator eyeing its prey

"Ang lakas talaga ng loob mong kalabanin ako." He stared at her ID picture and reads her name. "Maya Reyes." he murmured, as his voice calm but laced with something dangerous.

Maya swallowed hard but held her ground. Their heart pounded, but they refused to look away. She clenched her fist as she hold her grudge against him.

They were so close together as they were inches apart from each other.

Suddenly, two tall guys coming to their way. "Bro, it's first day of school you're already causing scene?" One guy speak to Adrian.

"Seriously Adrian, you already make an first impression to the new student?" Another student replied.

They are Adrian's close friends. Luis and Russell. Luis Carter is the life of the group, always cracking jokes and making people laugh. His charismatic and carefree nature makes him popular among students, and he has a natural ability to lighten tense situations. Despite his playful demeanor, he is incredibly loyal to his friends, always standing by Adrian and Russell no matter what.

Russell Reagan is the calm and logical one in the group, always analyzing situations before acting. He is intelligent, observant, and methodical, making him the voice of reason when Adrian and Luis get too emotional or reckless. Unlike Luis, who jokes around, or Adrian, who charges ahead, Russell thinks before speaking, making his words carry weight.

"Not now guys. Your making me look I'm the bad guy here." he replied to his friends.

Luis said "Come on Adrian, Ganito mo ba i-welcome ang bagong student especially she's the scholar of this school." he replied as they stare at them. "She's quite beautiful for someone like her am I right?" He jokes as he nudging his arms.

Fei’s expression darkened as she turned to Luis, her voice firm. "Not funny, Luis." She didn’t like the way he said it—as if the girl’s worth was only in her looks. "Maybe show some respect instead of cracking jokes about someone you barely know."

Luis blinked at Fei’s sharp tone, his grin faltering. "Okay, okay… chill. Hindi mo naman kailangan magalit." He scratched the back of his head, avoiding eye contact. "Nagbibiro lang naman ako."

Fei simply huffed, turning her attention elsewhere.

As Luis awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, the air between them grew tense. Maya, who had been standing silently, shifted uncomfortably. She wasn’t sure if she should say something or just walk away. The last thing she wanted was to cause trouble on her first day.

Adrian let out a sigh, crossing his arms as he glanced at Maya. His gaze was unreadable—a mix of curiosity and indifference. "Whatever. Let's just go. Wala akong oras makipagtalo sa kanila," he muttered before turning away.

Maya took a quiet breath, willing herself to stay calm. She had dealt with judgmental stares before, but something about this situation made her feel smaller than she ever had. She squared her shoulders, refusing to let their words get to her. She was here to study, not to make enemies.

Before she could take another step, Fei suddenly turned to her with a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Minsan lang talaga makulit ‘tong si Luis."

Maya was taken aback by her kindness. "It’s okay," she replied softly, offering a small smile in return. "Sanay naman ako sa mga ganitong bagay."

Fei frowned at that, she immediately hugged Maya as she comfort her.

Adrian glanced over his shoulder. "You guys are you coming or not?" His voice was sharp, directed at his friends, but his eyes flickered toward Maya for a brief second before he looked away.

Luis quickly followed Adrian, shaking his head. "Geez, parang nagbago na ugali mo, bro."

Maya had barely settled into her first day at Westridge International School when she felt a gentle tug on her wrist. Turning in surprise, she saw Fei Molina, her first friend she ever met, looking at her with urgency.

"Maya, kailangan nating mag-usap," Fei whispered, pulling her towards a quieter hallway near the library.

Maya furrowed her brows. "Ano bang problema nung lalaking yun?" she asked, confused by Fei's sudden seriousness.

Fei crossed her arms and sighed. "Alam kong bago ka lang dito, but you need to know something—lumayo ka kay Adrian at sa grupo niya kung ayaw mong mapahamak."

Maya blinked, taken back by her friend's warning. "Bakit naman? Wala naman akong ginagawang masama, at saka siya nga itong nagalit eh nag sorry naman ako sa kanya."

Fei frowned, looking around to make sure no one was listening. "Alam ko, and that’s exactly the problem. Hindi mo sila kilala, Maya. Lalo na si Adrian. He’s not just some popular guy—he’s powerful in this school. Kung gusto niyang itapon ka palabas, kayang-kaya niya."

Maya shook her head. "Pero...bakit siya ganon? Bakit niya kailanga—"

"Hindi mo siya kilala, Maya!" Fei cut her off, her voice filled with frustration. "People like him… they don’t mix with people like us. Kaya nga maraming naiinggit sa’yo ngayon. A scholar like you in their world? Hindi nila matanggap. If you get involved with them—lalo na kay Adrian—you’ll just make enemies."

Maya felt a lump in her throat. She hadn’t thought of it that way. She already felt out of place, but she never expected to be seen as a threat just for existing in the same space as them.

She hesitated before speaking. "Fei… pero anong gagawin ko? Hindi ko naman pwedeng basta na lang iwasan lahat ng tao dito."

Fei sighed, looking at her with concern. "I’m not saying you have to hide. I just… I just don’t want you to get hurt. This school can be cruel, lalo na kung may tumitingin sa’yo na parang hindi ka dapat nandito."

Maya swallowed hard. She appreciated Bea’s concern, but something inside her refused to back down. She had worked too hard to be here—no one was going to make her feel like she didn’t belong.

Still, she gave her friend a small nod. "Salamat, Fei. I’ll be careful."

Fei studied her for a moment before sighing in defeat. "Hay naku, Maya… basta tandaan mo, nandito lang ako. Kahit anong mangyari, hindi kita iiwan."

Maya smiled, grateful for her friend’s loyalty. But as they walked to the class, she couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling settling in her chest.

Maya exhaled, realizing she had been holding her breath. She had only just arrived, and already she felt like she had stepped into a battlefield.

"Kaya mo ‘to, Maya. Wala kang ibang dapat patunayan kundi sa sarili mo."

With that thought, she gripped the strap of her bag and walked forward, ready to face whatever else Westridge had in store for her.

Maya took a deep breath as she stepped inside the classroom, clutching the strap of her bag tightly. The room was filled with students—some chatting animatedly with their friends, others hunched over their phones, lost in their online games. Laughter and casual conversations filled the air, but Maya felt none of it.

She swallowed hard, glancing around."Wala akong kakilala dito…" Every student seemed to have their own circle, their own place. Meanwhile, she felt like an outsider, a single dot in a sea of people who belonged.

Then, amidst the unfamiliar faces, a familiar voice called out.

"Maya! Dito!"

Maya turned to see Fei waving her hand, gesturing towards an empty seat beside her. A small wave of relief washed over Maya as she made her way towards her.

But the moment she started walking, she felt it—the weight of their stares.

Whispers floated around her, hushed but sharp enough to sting.

"Siya ‘yun, di ba? ‘Yung scholar?"

"Totoo pala… hindi lang chismis."

"Sa dami ng pwedeng pumasok sa Westridge, bakit siya pa?"

"Kawawa naman, wala sigurong ibang choice ‘yung school kaya siya tinanggap."

Maya kept her head high, pretending she couldn’t hear them. But deep inside, her stomach twisted. She knew this would happen. From the moment she stepped foot in Westridge, she expected the judgment, the scrutiny.

Still, hearing it whispered so openly made her chest tighten.

She reached Fei’s desk and slowly sat down, her hands gripping the edge of her chair. Fei leaned slightly towards her, lowering her voice.

"Huwag mo na lang silang pansinin."

Maya forced a small smile, though her heart still pounded. "Sanay na ako."

Fei raised a brow, as if studying her, before shrugging. "Good. Kasi mukhang hindi ka nila titigilan nang ganun-ganun lang."

Maya let out a small sigh, stealing a quick glance around. Students still eyed her, some subtly, others not even bothering to hide their curiosity.

She clenched her fists under the desk.

She had worked hard for this spot. She belonged here, whether they liked it or not.

And no amount of stares or whispers would change that.

Suddenly, a group of boys with familiar faces entered the classroom. The atmosphere shifted as students turned their heads, some whispering, others straightening in their seats. "Adrian Navarro" walked in first, his tall frame and confident stride making his presence impossible to ignore. Behind him were his closest friends, "Luis Carter" and "Ruzzell Reagan", both just as well-known in the school’s social circles.

Maya’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Hindi maaari?! Nasa iisang classroom kami? Ibig sabihin niyan mag-classmate kami?!" A heavy feeling settled in her chest. Of all the students in Westridge, why did it have to be them? She clenched her hands under the desk, recalling the earlier confrontation in the hallway. She had already clashed with Adrian once—now she had to share a classroom with him for the rest of the school year? Great. Just great.

Whispers spread like wildfire among the students.

"Adrian and his group are here… Looks like this class just got interesting."

"Did you see how he walked in? Ang angas niya talaga tingnan."

"Teka… Diba siya yung babae kanina? Yung scholar? Hindi ba nag aaway sila sa hallway?"

Maya shifted uncomfortably, lowering her gaze. She could already feel eyes darting between her and Adrian, fueling unnecessary gossip.

The room grew silent as the teacher hadn’t arrived yet, leaving the students in their own world of gossip and speculation. Adrian’s gaze scanned the classroom until his sharp eyes landed on Maya. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he made his way toward her desk, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Maya tensed "Ito na naman tayo."

Stopping just beside her desk, Adrian tilted his head, his expression amused yet slightly challenging. “Huh. So, ikaw pala ‘yung scholar na pinag-uusapan ng lahat.” His voice was laced with curiosity, but there was an undeniable hint of teasing. “Didn’t think I’d see you again so soon… and in this class, no less.”

Maya met his gaze with firm eyes, refusing to show any weakness. “Well, I didn’t think I’d have to deal with you again, either.” She crossed her arms, her voice steady despite the irritation bubbling inside her. “But here we are. Looks like neither of us is happy about it.”

Luis and Ruzzell chuckled from behind Adrian, sensing the tension brewing between them. Luis leaned closer, grinning. “Relax ka lang, Maya. Adrian’s just surprised. Hindi namin akalain na may scholar na tayong makakasama sa klase.”

Maya shot Luis a sharp look. “And why is that surprising? Just because I’m not from a rich family doesn’t mean I don’t deserve to be here.”

Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by her fiery response. “Oh? Defensive ka naman agad.” He leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping into a low, almost taunting tone. “Did I hit a nerve, Reyes?”

Maya’s jaw tightened, but she refused to back down. She straightened her posture and met his gaze head-on. “Hindi, Navarro. Hindi ko lang gusto yung mga taong mapang-husga sa iba na bumabase sa estado sa buhay. Kaya't kung inaasahan mo man ako na luluhod sa harapan mo dahil tinagurian kang isang "Duke" sa school na ito? Sorry, hindi ako ganong isang tao."

The classroom grew even quieter. Some students exchanged wide-eyed glances, shocked at how Maya was speaking to Adrian—someone most people wouldn’t dare to challenge. Even Fei, who was watching the exchange from her seat, couldn’t help but smirk.

Adrian stared at Maya for a moment, and then, unexpectedly, he let out a short chuckle. “Interesting. Mukhang hindi ka madaling matakot.” He straightened up, his smirk never fading. “This might actually be fun.”

Before Maya could reply, the sound of the classroom door opening caught everyone’s attention. The teacher had arrived.

Maya let out a quiet sigh of relief, silently grateful that their conversation was cut short. But as she turned her attention back to the front, she could still feel Adrian’s gaze lingering on her.

This was only the beginning.

As the teacher walked into the classroom, the students quickly returned to their seats, the chatter dying down. Setting his books on the desk, Mr. Frank, their literature teacher, an old and attractive man. He looked around the class with a knowing smile.

“Alright, class. Today, we’re going to have a debate.”

A murmur of curiosity rippled through the students. Some sat up straighter, others groaned at the thought of another discussion, but all were paying attention.

Mr. Frank continued, “Our topic for today: Does real love exist?”

The room fell into silence for a moment before excited whispers filled the air. Some students exchanged glances, intrigued by the topic. Others, like Adrian and his friends, simply leaned back, waiting to see where this would go.

Maya, still feeling the lingering tension from her earlier exchange with Adrian, glanced at Fei, who smirked knowingly.

“You’ll be divided into two teams,” Mr. Frank explained. “One side will argue that real love exists, while the other will argue that real love is just an illusion.”

Students began to shift in their seats, some eager, some hesitant.

“Let’s make it more interesting.” Mr. Frank's eyes gleamed. “We’ll have two team captains who will lead their side. And since we all love a little challenge…” He paused, scanning the room before settling her gaze on Maya and Adrian. “…why don’t we have Maya and Adrian as the captains?”

A wave of reactions filled the room.

"Talaga ba?! Maya versus Adrian?"

"This is gonna be fun."

"Duke versus the scholar? Nakaka-exciting ito."

Maya’s eyes widened. "Ano?!” She wasn’t expecting this.

Adrian, on the other hand, smirked. “Sounds like a good match.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at Maya. “Ready to argue with me, Reyes?”

Maya straightened, refusing to back down. If there was one thing she was confident in, it was her ability to stand her ground.

“Bring it on, Navarro.”

The debate was about to begin.

The classroom was filled with a tense atmosphere as the debate began. Students leaned forward in their seats, eager to witness the argument between Maya and Adrian—two completely different individuals with strong opinions.

Mr. Frank said "Let's start with Maya first as for the real love exist. While Adrian is for the love is an illusion."

Maya took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Real love exists because it's not just about romance. It’s about sacrifices, caring for someone no matter what, and choosing them every single day." She stood confidently, her voice steady. "Hindi lang ‘yan nakikita sa relationships—family, friends, at kahit sino na handang ipaglaban ka, that’s real love."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, smirking before standing up. “Nice speech, Reyes. Pero sabihin na nating totoo nga ang love—bakit madalas nauuwi sa sakit? Sa pagtataksil? Sa pagkawasak?” His gaze locked onto hers, challenging. “People mistake infatuation for love, obsession for love. Pero sa totoo lang, it’s all just a chemical reaction in the brain. Kapag nawala na ‘yung excitement, anong natitira? Wala.”

Maya clenched her fists. “So sinasabi mo na walang tunay na pag-ibig? Na lahat ng relasyon, walang saysay?”

Adrian crossed his arms. “I’m saying love is temporary. Pansamantala. Hindi siya panghabang-buhay. People change, feelings fade. Kaya hindi ako naniniwala sa ‘forever’ na pinagsasabi ng iba. Bakit may proof kaba that love is rela and exist?"

Maya held her ground. "Of course, I have proof. My grandmother—she raised me since I was a child. Pero, kahit mahirap ang buhay, hindi niya ako iniwan. She sacrificed everything for me. Kung hindi ‘yon totoong pagmamahal, then I don’t know what is."

The class murmured in agreement. Even Fei gave a small nod, showing her support.

Adrian, however, wasn’t finished. His smirk disappeared, replaced by a more serious expression. "Okay, so your grandmother raised you… but if real love exists, then bakit hindi mga magulang mo ang nandiyan para sa’yo?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. "Kung totoo ‘yang pagmamahal na sinasabi mo, bakit hindi sila ang nagpalaki sayo? Or worse bakit ka nila iniwan?"

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Maya’s eyes widened as Adrian’s words sank in. A sudden wave of emotions crashed over her, her visions began to blurry as tears welled up. She clenched her fists, trying to keep herself together.

"You don't know anything about them." Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to stand tall. "They didn’t leave me Adrian. They died in a car accident at bata palang ako non!" Her breathing grew uneven, but she continued, her voice rising with each word. "Kung iniwan lang nila ako dahil hindi nila ako mahal, then maybe you’d have a point. But they didn’t choose to leave me! Namatay sila dahil hindi nila ginusto yung nangyari. Kaya wag mo silang gamitin bilang pruweba mo na wala talagang totoong pagmamahal!"

The weight of her words hit the entire class like a shockwave. The students, who had been whispering earlier, fell completely silent. Even Luis and Ruzzell, who were usually grinning in the background, looked away uncomfortably.

Adrian’s eyes widened slightly as he realized what he had just said. Guilt flashed across his face, his smirk vanishing completely.

Maya wiped her tears roughly, refusing to look weak in front of him. "You think love isn’t real just because you don’t believe in it? Hindi ibig sabihin na hindi mo pa nararanasan, wala na talaga. Hindi mo pwedeng sabihin sa amin na illusion lang ‘yon dahil lang hindi mo pa nakita."

Adrian remained quiet.

Fei finally broke the silence. "Maya has a point." Her voice was calm but firm, giving Adrian a pointed look. "You went too far, Adrian."

Maya sniffed and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The pain in her heart was still there, but she refused to let Adrian's words break her completely.

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, sighing. He glanced at Maya, regret flickering in his eyes, but he didn’t know how to take back what he had said.

Maya swallowed hard, grabbing her things and she ran out and left the classroom crying in tears.

"Maya sandali!" Fei ran to Maya as she trying to catch up to her.

Mr. Frank finally spoke up, breaking the heavy atmosphere. "I think that's enough for today." She looked at Adrian before shifting her gaze to Maya, her expression softening. "This debate was meant... to open your minds, not to hurt each other."

As for Adrian, he remained silent. For the first time, he had nothing to say.

And for the first time, he realized—he might have been wrong.

———End of the Chapter 1———

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