WHEN OUR HEARTS CHOSE EACH OTHER

Chapter 1– The Girl Who Arrived Late The morning sun bathed St. Andrews Academy in a warm golden glow. Students filled the campus with laughter, excitement, and nervous conversations. It was the first day of senior high school—a fresh beginning for everyone. Near the front gate, expensive cars lined up one after another. Students from wealthy families stepped out wearing crisp uniforms and confident smiles. A black luxury sedan slowly stopped. The driver immediately opened the door. Out stepped Ethan Alaric Monteverde. Tall. Handsome. Calm. His neatly combed black hair, sharp eyes, and quiet confidence instantly caught everyone's attention. "There he is..." "The Monteverde heir." "I heard his family owns hotels." "And he's the Student Council President." Girls secretly stared while boys admired him. Ethan ignored every whisper. Popularity never interested him. He simply walked toward the school building with a backpack hanging over one shoulder. A few streets away... A small tricycle came to a sudden stop. "I'm sorry, Sofia," her mother said while handing her lunch. "This is all we could prepare today." "It's okay, Mom." Sofia smiled warmly. "I'll make you and Dad proud." She hugged her mother before running toward school. Unlike most students, Sofia had earned her place through a scholarship. Every grade mattered. Every opportunity mattered. She promised herself she would never waste it. Unfortunately... Traffic made her late. "Oh no..." She looked at the school clock. Five minutes late. She rushed inside while apologizing to every student she accidentally brushed past. "I'm sorry!" "Excuse me!" "Sorry!" She turned the hallway corner— BUMP! Books flew into the air. Papers scattered across the shiny floor. "Ouch..." Sofia rubbed her forehead. "I'm so sorry!" She quickly knelt to gather the books. Before she could reach the last notebook, another hand picked it up. She slowly looked up. Standing before her was Ethan. For a moment... Neither of them spoke. The noisy hallway suddenly felt strangely quiet. Ethan smiled first. "Are you alright?" Sofia nodded, embarrassed. "I wasn't looking where I was going." He handed her the notebook. "No one got hurt. That's what matters." His voice was calm and gentle. Sofia expected someone rich like him to be rude. Instead... He smiled. "I'm Ethan." She hesitated before answering. "Sofia." The school bell suddenly rang. "Oh no!" "We're late," Ethan chuckled. They looked at each other. Then... They both started running toward the classroom. Inside Room 12... Their adviser sighed. "So nice of both of you to join us." The class laughed. Sofia lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Ma'am." "It's alright. Since you're both late..." The adviser looked around the room. "There is only one empty table." Everyone turned. It was the desk beside Ethan. Whispers immediately spread throughout the classroom. "She's sitting beside him?" "She's lucky." "I wanted that seat..." Sofia wanted to refuse. But there was no other choice. She quietly sat beside Ethan. He gave her a small smile. "Looks like we'll be classmates." Sofia smiled back. "I guess we will." Neither of them knew... This ordinary school day... Would become the first page of a love story neither of them could ever forget. End of Chapter 1