When Ash woke up in the morning, Adrian had already left for work. A small smile lingered on his face at the thought of Adrian staying by his side until he drifted off. He still felt a little weak, but he pushed himself out of bed and got ready for school. His mother hesitated, suggesting he rest another day, but Ash shook his head gently. With only a month left before his high school final exams, he couldn't allow himself to fall behind.
Bravin dropped him off at school, and from the gate onward, students' eyes followed him. Even in class, he caught their occasional glances. Ash knew what they were silently wondering-how he was connected to the Leclair family, but he let them keep guessing.
When Naomi saw him, she quickly stood from her seat and embraced him. "I thought you wouldn't come today. School feels boring without you."
Martin, still seated, teased, "Just admit you'd have no one to copy answers from. Don't hide behind excuses like boring."
