Writers pov. Ten years earlier
It's Anna's first day at Elite High private school. She has just won the national free scholars award for being the best overall student in the country, with a score of about 99, which is very impressive. Even the top student at the school, Henry Akinola Castle, comes from the wealthy Castle family. His father, Mr. George Castle, believes his children should always be at the top. Henry has a brother named Edward Ayotunde Castle. When Henry saw the results, tears filled his eyes. The pressure from his father was too much for him to handle, and it made him dislike the new student even before they met. Anna William is the only daughter of two caring parents—her dad is a civil servant, and her mom is a market trader. She has big dreams, like getting into an elite high school and graduating as the top student so she can earn a scholarship to study wherever she wants. Even though Anna's life seems complicated on the outside, she feels happy with her life inside. "Mama Anna, I heard your daughter passed the Elite scholar exam?" Mrs. William, who only completed her primary education, laughed as she looked up. "Yes, my dear! On Monday, Anna will start at the Elite high school," the market women laughed together and exchanged high fives. Anna, Jacob, and Lila, who have been friends since they were little, stood in front of the simple building, sharing the cherries that Jacob had bought with the money he made from gambling on the streets earlier. "Anna, I swear, if you go to that school and forget about us, I will never forgive you!" Anna laughed in response."Anna laughs and says, 'I just want to study and be the first doctor in my family. My dad even sold our new radio to buy me a pair of shoes that matches my school shoes.' Lila covers her mouth with her hand and bursts out laughing. " Oh Anna, if I were you, I would just stay at our school." They both giggle. " Anna, didn't I tell you that Jacob has feelings for you?" They continue to laugh together. "Lila, be quiet! I don't get why you talk so much," Jacob said, his face looking gloomy as he stared at Lila, who was hiding behind Anna. "Please, everyone, don't argue. I have to get to school really early tomorrow," Anna added. "Don't worry, I'll walk you home. Our moms are both still at the market," Jacob replied, her heart racing with excitement for what tomorrow would bring as she celebrated.
Henry just received a lecture from his father, who was upset that Henry lost his long-standing position to someone he considered a nobody. "Henry, calm down! You got a 97, while I only got a 91. I really messed up," Edward says. Henry wipes his tears and laughs a little. "She's just a poor person from the slum, Edward. How does she think she can come to a school owned by my family and make fun of me?" Edward lets out a sigh. "Henry, stop! You're beginning to sound more like my mom," Henry laughs as he tosses a glass against the wall. The bodyguards don't dare to move. Just as Esther, the maid, is about to leave the dining area, Henry turns his head to look at her.
"Esther, are you blind? There's a glass on the floor; pick it up!" Esther just nods. "Henry, that's enough. Esther, please ignore my brother. He doesn't know what he's saying," Edward says, trying to defend her. "Are you out of your mind, Edward? Remember, I'm still your older brother. Just because we're in the same class doesn't mean we're the same age. And you, Esther, clean it up now because that's what you're paid for." With that, he stands up from the table, and Edward lets out a sigh. Henry rushes into his room, feeling angry, and he slams the door shut. His computer setup is impressive, and his room is decorated in blue. Even though he is only sixteen, he has always wanted to make his dad proud. His mom walks in with a glass of milk. "Henry, here's your milk. Drink it; it will help you relax," she says. He chuckles at his mom. "That's why you're a joke in this house, Mom. You're the first wife, the legal wife, but since you don't have confidence, Dad brought in Stella, and now she acts like the lady of the house while you do the maid's job," Laura says, fighting back tears. "Are you going to cry?" he mocks. "Henry, please don't speak to me like that. I'm begging you. Just because your dad does doesn't mean it's okay," Laura replies as he grabs the milk. He pours it out on the rug in his room, and a sly grin spreads across his face. "Let me show you how it's done," he says as he opens his door and stands in the hallway, shouting. In just five seconds, three people come to help: Grace, Tony, and Juliet, all waiting for his orders.
"Tony, clean the milk off the rug. I actually want a new set by tomorrow morning, and Grace, make sure my room is perfectly clean." He stands with his hands clasped behind his back. "Yes, sir," they all respond as he walks away, leaving his mom in the room. "Aunt Laura!" gasps the helper as she cleans Henry's rug. "Aunt Laura, there you are! I was waiting for my glass of milk," Edward says as he enters the room. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this again," Edward laughs as he puts his arms around Laura Castle. "Aunt Laura, why do you let Henry speak to you that way?" She laughs back. "What do you mean?" Laura gets up and walks out of the room, with Edward trailing behind her slowly. "Don't do that, Aunt Laura! I thought we were friends," Edward says, frowning and stopping in his tracks. "I don't know, Edward. It feels serious now, and I hope he will change someday," Laura replies. Edward then gives Laura a hug, which makes Stella raise an eyebrow at Edward . "Stella, you're back?" Laura asks. Stella laughs. "As a stay-at-home mom, you really know how to give my son attention while yours runs around. Are you trying to make me look like a bad mom, Laura?" Laura gives a small smile. "When have I ever said that? Stella, you know Henry is a handful. He was acting up again, and Edward was just trying to help me," Laura explains, but Stella laughs.