Prince Morgan's gaze remained fixed on the group across the hall, his jaw clenched as he took in the familiar, frustrating sight of Adrian in the center of attention. The laughter and warmth in Isabella's smile, so openly directed at Adrian, only deepened the bitterness that had been simmering within him for years.
'How long do you intend to stand in my way?' Morgan thought, the words laced with resentment. It seemed that no matter how far he went or how much he achieved, Adrian Lighthaven was always there—always one step ahead, always garnering the admiration and respect that Morgan had fought to earn.
The memories were all too vivid.
At the Royal Academy, Adrian had been the picture of calm excellence, his steady demeanor and quiet intelligence effortlessly drawing the favor of teachers and mentors alike. 'Such maturity for one so young,' they'd praise, their voices tinged with admiration.
