A place in his heart

“I will love you with all my heart, Lia.” “We were never meant to be, Bryan. This love won’t work.” “I’ll make it work, no matter what happens. I’ll prove it to you.” “Bryan, please… you know your family will never accept me. Why bother? You have Nia. Stop causing us both more pain—just face it.” No, Lia. He really loves you. A soft voice whispered as the girl turned the page. Her eyes widened. “Ugh… don’t tell me that’s the end!” she groaned, slamming the book shut. “Now I’ll have to buy volume two, and I’m sure Mom won’t give me any more money.” “Arabella! Are you done preparing for school? Remember, you’re leaving with the Second Young Master!” Arabella shot up from her bed. “Oh no!” she squeaked, hastily pulling on her freshly ironed school uniform. She tied her soft brown hair into a rough bun, glanced at her reflection in the small cracked mirror, and snatched up her schoolbag. She rushed into the kitchen, almost colliding with one of the maids. “Mom!” “Ara, don’t run in here like that,” Maya scolded, hands on her hips. “Sorry, Auntie. My mistake,” Arabella replied with a sheepish grin. “This girl,” Maya muttered, shaking her head. “Always buried in those romance books. No wonder you’re late.” Another maid, Jane, clicked her tongue. “Ara, look at your hair. Didn’t I tell you to take more care with it?” She pulled out a chair. “Sit. I’ll fix it.” Arabella smiled and hugged her tightly before obeying. “Thanks, Auntie Jane. You’re the best.” “Eat, quickly.” Maya pushed a plate of toast and a glass of fruit juice toward her. “The Second Young Master is already waiting.” Arabella nibbled her toast nervously until her mother—the Head Maid—entered the kitchen, her sharp eyes immediately falling on her daughter. “Bella, your hair again?” “All done!” Jane announced proudly, revealing the neat style she had woven. “You must have been a hairstylist in your past life,” Maya teased, admiring her work. Jane chuckled softly. “It’s nothing special.” Arabella rose, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll be leaving now. See you later!” She hurried to the grand entrance, where the Second Young Master stood waiting. “Good morning, Second Young Master,” she said politely. Ethan Lancaster turned. His golden hair gleamed under the morning light, framing sharp blue eyes that were as cold as ice. With porcelain skin and lips soft as rose petals, he looked every bit the prince from a fairytale—untouchable and distant. “You’re late,” he said curtly, his gaze piercing. Arabella lowered her head. “I… I’m sorry.” Before the silence grew heavy, a voice cut in, lighter and teasing. “Ethan, let it go. She’s here now. We’re not late.” Adrian Lancaster—Third Young Master—strolled forward with his usual easy smile. He and Ethan shared the same golden hair, but Adrian’s green eyes sparkled with warmth, in stark contrast to his brother’s icy demeanor. “Hmph.” Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Next time, she won’t be coming with us.” Arabella’s chest constricted. She gripped her bag tightly, her heart pounding in her ears. “Come on, Ara,” Adrian said warmly. “Don’t just stand there. Let’s go.” “Yes, sir.” She hurried after them and slipped into the sleek black sedan, exhaling only once the doors closed. I thought I was going to die of nerves… --- At school, Arabella approached her locker with a relieved sigh. “If it isn’t Arabella,” came a familiar voice. She turned with a smile. “Sophie! What’s up?” “I’m good.” Sophie leaned against the lockers. “So… how was your ride with the Lancaster princes today?” Arabella rolled her eyes. “Sophie, do you have to ask me that every single day?” “Oh, come on. Don’t give me that smug look. Tell me—what’s it like sitting in the same car with Ethan Lancaster?” Sophie’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Arabella groaned. “Tiring. Honestly, I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I still don’t know what I did to make him dislike me.” “Maybe he just doesn’t want to associate with a maid’s daughter,” Sophie said bluntly. “If not for Madam Lancaster, you wouldn’t even be here.” Arabella’s smile faded. “You don’t have to say that, Sophie.” “Well, I can’t help it.” Sophie Anderson. The illegitimate daughter of the Anderson family. Though her father despised her, her eldest sister had taken her under her wing, ensuring she wasn’t entirely abandoned. “Come on,” Sophie said, brushing it off. “We still have a few minutes before class. Let’s go.” But as they stepped into the classroom, a sharp, mocking voice rang out. “Well, if it isn’t Arabella, the servant.” Arabella froze. Sophie’s expression hardened. Talia Kingston leaned against her desk, her manicured nails glinting under the lights. The daughter of Kingston College’s owner, she wore her wealth like a crown and looked down on anyone beneath her. “Does this day get any worse?” Sophie whispered under her breath. Talia’s eyes flicked to her. “What’s that look, you little twerp?” “Sorry, Miss Talia,” Sophie muttered quickly. “Hmph. As if I’d waste my time on a bastard like you.” Arabella’s fists clenched. “Don’t call her that. Sophie is not a bastard.” “Oh?” Talia sneered. “Look who’s talking. The maid’s daughter herself. I still don’t understand why the Lancasters let you ride in their car and enjoy benefits you don’t deserve.” Arabella’s eyes flashed. “If you’re so curious, why don’t you ask them yourself? I’m sure they’ll give you the answer you’re looking for.” The room fell silent for a heartbeat, tension crackling in the air. Talia’s smirk sharpened. Ever since she had discovered the Lancasters’ support of Arabella, she had made it her mission to make school a living nightmare for her.