The shrill sound of an alarm cut through the silence of the room.
A pale hand reached out from beneath the gray duvet and slapped the clock without opening its owner's eyes.
Silence.
Five seconds later, the alarm blared again.
Lucien Ashford sighed.
He pushed himself upright, running a hand through his messy black hair before glancing at the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the sprawling Ashford Estate. The morning sun bathed the gardens in gold, illuminating fountains, trimmed hedges, and marble pathways that most people only ever saw in magazines.
To anyone else, it looked like paradise.
To Lucien, it looked like another cage.
A sharp knock echoed through his bedroom.
"Young Master."
Lucien didn't answer.
The door remained closed, but the voice continued.
"Your father is waiting for breakfast."
"I'm coming."
"You have fifteen minutes."
The footsteps faded.
Lucien let out a quiet breath before swinging his legs over the side of the bed.
Another day.
Another schedule.
Another list of expectations he couldn't afford to fail.
Fifteen minutes later, dressed in a crisp white shirt beneath Blackwood University's navy blazer, Lucien descended the grand staircase.
Every servant in the mansion greeted him with a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Young Master."
He nodded politely.
At the end of the dining hall sat the one person whose approval had always seemed just out of reach.
Stan Ashford.
Chairman of the Ashford Group. One of the youngest billionaires in the country. And Lucien's father.
Stan folded the morning newspaper without looking up.
"You're three minutes late."
Lucien took his seat.
"My apologies."
"Apologies don't change facts."
The words were calm.
Almost emotionless.
Yet somehow they carried more weight than shouting ever could.
Breakfast was served in complete silence.
The only sounds were the clinking of silverware and the ticking of the antique clock hanging above the fireplace.
Finally, Stan spoke.
"I reviewed your academic report."
Lucien looked up.
"You ranked first again."
"Yes, Father."
"Good."
A single word.
No smile.
No congratulations.
Only expectation.
"As Student Council President and captain of Blackwood University's hockey team, you represent the Ashford name. Continue performing at this level."
"I understand."
Stan took another sip of coffee before meeting Lucien's eyes.
"And remember."
"The Ashford family does not tolerate failure."
Lucien gave a small nod.
"I won't disappoint you."
The conversation ended there.
It always did.
Outside, a sleek black sedan waited beneath the mansion's entrance.
The driver opened the rear door.
"Good morning, Young Master."
"Morning."
As the car pulled away, Lucien rested his forehead against the cool window.
His phone buzzed.
Ethan: Practice after classes. Coach says don't be late.
Another message appeared.
Mason: Half the girls on campus are already waiting for their daily glimpse of Prince Ashford
Lucien rolled his eyes.
He typed back.
Lucien: Get a hobby.
Mason: Being annoying is my hobby.
For the first time that morning...
Lucien smiled.
Only a little.
Twenty minutes later, the gates of Blackwood University came into view.
Students hurried across campus, laughing with friends and rushing to early lectures.
For a brief moment...
Lucien wondered what it would be like to be one of them.
Just another student.
No expectations.
No family name.
No future already written for him.
The thought disappeared as quickly as it came.
He stepped out of the car.
Instantly, conversations around him quieted.
"There he is..."
"That's Lucien Ashford."
"He's even more handsome in person."
"I heard he's never dated anyone."
"He's the Hockey team captain."
Lucien ignored every whisper.
He'd learned years ago that people loved the idea of him far more than they ever cared to know the real him.
Without another glance, he adjusted the strap of his bag and walked toward the main building.
Completely unaware...
That somewhere else on campus...
A girl named Stacy Bennett was about to turn his carefully ordered world upside down.