Chapter 1 — Shadows of an Ordinary Morning
It was just another day. William groaned as the early morning sun pierced through his window and forced its way into his eyes. At seventeen, he had already experienced more pain than most people face in a lifetime. Losing his parents in a car accident had hardened him, twisting his personality into something cold and detached. Joy was a stranger to him; every day felt exactly the same.
He had become the quiet type—no sense of humor, hardly any friends, and a rude, distant attitude toward everyone.
"Eh… when is it my turn to die? I'm tired of this world," he muttered under his breath.
"William! William!" his grandmother yelled from the sitting room.
"Oh, Grandma is at it again… always disturbing me," William grumbled as he dragged himself up.
"William! Where is this boy?" she shouted again.
"I'm here," he answered reluctantly.
"Where have you been? I've been calling your name since!"
"You only called me three times," William replied coldly.
"And when did you reply?" she snapped.
"Not quite long ago…"
"Why are you not getting ready for school today?" she demanded.
"I don't know… maybe I will."
"Who knows? You're not serious," Grandma said sternly. "For a complete week, you've missed school—based on your whimsical excuses. Today, you are going to school."
"Seriously, Grandma? I said I needed time. You agreed."
"I agreed, yes… and you have abused it. William, you're going to school today, and that is final."
With no other option, William prepared himself for the day despite not wanting to.
"Stop bothering me, Grandma. I'm off to school," he muttered bitterly as he stepped outside.
Why does it have to be me? After everything I've done for her… she still betrayed me like this. Why? Why?
He walked on, his thoughts weighing more than his schoolbag.
---
Across town, a sharp scream echoed inside a moving car.
"Why? Why?!" Donald yelled, hitting the steering wheel in frustration as he drove. Memories of the past few months tormented him endlessly.
Donald was a modest young man, though surrounded by luxury. He was an orphan now, living off the wealth his father left behind. His father had entrusted him—rather than the eldest son—with full control of the family company. That decision sparked resentment and deep dissatisfaction among his older brothers, poisoning the family atmosphere.
And now, Donald was left to deal with the consequences alone.