BEYOND HIS REIGN

The black sedan came to a smooth stop in front of the university gate. Students walked in and out of the entrance, laughing, chatting, and hurrying to their morning lectures. Some arrived on motorcycles, others in taxis, while a few simply walked through the large gates with backpacks hanging over their shoulders. Inside the car, Mark leaned back with a tired sigh. His mother smiled warmly before reaching over to straighten the collar of his shirt. "My handsome boy," she said softly. "Take good care of yourself today." She kissed him on the forehead before pulling him into a hug. "And remember, don't let anyone stand in your way. If anyone dares to disrespect you, don't let them get away with it." Mark sighed. "Mom..." She kissed his cheek again. "You're my son. No one should ever look down on you." "Mom," Mark said with an embarrassed smile, "I'm twenty-eight years old. Why are you still treating me like I'm twelve?" His mother laughed. "It doesn't matter how old you become. You'll always be my little boy." She gently touched his face. "And I can spoil you as much as I want." Mark shook his head. "I know, Mom. But I'm going to be late." "Fine," she replied. "Have a wonderful day." "I will." "Love you." "Love you too." Mark stepped out of the car and shut the door. His family wasn't extremely wealthy, but they lived comfortably. His father was a respected senior police officer, while his mother owned a successful business. Their lifestyle was better than average, and everyone around them knew who they were. As Mark walked toward the university gate, students quietly stepped aside. Some lowered their heads. Others whispered among themselves. "That's Mark..." "The bully." "Don't make eye contact." "No one wants trouble with him." Mark ignored every whisper and continued walking with confidence. Not far away stood four girls. Bella. Maria. Stella. And Michelle. They were talking and laughing together. Michelle suddenly looked toward the gate. "Bella," she whispered with a grin, "your man is here." Bella quickly turned around. The moment she saw Mark, a bright smile spread across her face. "He looks so handsome today," Stella teased. Bella rolled her eyes playfully. "Excuse me? That's my man." Michelle laughed. "I'm sorry." Maria folded her arms. "I have to admit... he's really attractive." Bella pointed at her jokingly. "Don't even think about stealing him." The girls burst into laughter. Bella adjusted her hair before confidently walking toward Mark. Unlike Mark, Bella came from a very wealthy family. Her parents owned several companies, and she had never lacked anything in her life. She believed she deserved the very best. And in her mind... Mark belonged to her. She stopped in front of him with a bright smile. "Hi, Mark." Mark looked at her. "Morning." "How are you?" "I'm fine." "And you?" "I'm doing great." Bella stepped forward, hoping to hug him. Mark immediately took a step back. "Can you move?" Bella's smile disappeared. "I... I only wanted to greet you." "I have somewhere to be." Without waiting for another word, Mark walked past her. Bella remained standing there. Maria, Stella, and Michelle hurried over. "What happened?" Michelle asked. Bella forced a smile. "He's probably tired." Stella frowned. "Tired? This early?" Bella looked away. "I'm sure he'll be fine later." Although she smiled, deep inside she felt hurt. She loved Mark. But Mark never treated her the way she wanted. Meanwhile, Mark continued walking through the university. Students immediately made way for him. No one wanted trouble. Near one of the walkways, a first-year student stood holding a bottle of water. Mark stopped. "You." The boy looked up nervously. "Y-Yes?" "Bring me that water." The frightened student quickly handed it over. Mark took one sip before looking at him again. "Walk with me." The boy obeyed immediately. They had barely taken a few steps when another student accidentally bumped into the frightened freshman. The bottle slipped from his hand. Water splashed across Mark's shirt and shoes. Silence. The frightened student froze. "I'm... I'm sorry." Mark slowly looked down at his wet clothes. His face darkened. "You did this?" "It was an accident." Before the boy could explain further, Mark poured the remaining water over his head. Students nearby stopped walking. Everyone stared. "You stained my clothes," Mark said coldly. "I'm really sorry." "Sorry?" Mark laughed. "Do you even know who you're talking to?" The boy lowered his head. "My father is a senior police officer," Mark continued. "If I decide to make your life miserable, no one will save you." The student trembled. "I'm sorry." "You should be." Mark pushed him aside. The frightened boy almost fell to the ground. Several students watched from a distance, but no one dared to interfere. They knew Mark's reputation. No one wanted to become his next victim. Just then another student walked past. Mark pointed at him. "Hey, you." The student stopped immediately. "Yes?" "Carry my notebook." Without arguing, the student collected Mark's books and followed him. Mark smiled proudly. This was the respect he believed he deserved. Or perhaps... It wasn't respect at all. It was fear. And fear ruled the campus. Unnoticed by Mark, somewhere inside the administration building, a quiet transfer student was completing her registration. She adjusted her glasses and smiled politely at the university staff. Her name was Angela. She had no idea that before the day ended... Her life would cross paths with the most feared student on campus. And nothing would ever be the same again.