"This is Ariel," Grace said with a smile, one that didn't match with Mason's expressionless face. “She's not only the daughter of the president, but her mother is my best friend." The warmth swirling in her tone made Mason turn to his mother with a furrowed brow. Given the many hours she devoted to her work, it was difficult for him to hear her use not just the word 'friend' but 'best friend'. Seeing his reaction, Grace chuckled softly. “Oh Mas, being a busy woman doesn't mean I don't have a few friends. And, you know, you're not exactly in the right position to judge,” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Mason scoffed, crossing his arms. "What? I do have friends,” he replied confidently, only to be met with the narrowed brows of both his sister and mother, signaling their doubt. "Well, if they are not invisible, then I would definitely like to meet them,” Grace replied. Mason's lips almost curved into a smile when the thought of an emoji crossed his mind. He could almost p

Mason remained silent, his demeanor composed yet distant as he walked past clusters of students who were minding their business. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind him, and Ariel, whose face was etched with confusion, only deepened when Mason didn't stop to glance at her.Several thoughts ran through her head, and she was unable to predict Mason's next move. She paced forward, blocking his path. “What are you going to do?” she asked anxiously as she fought to steady her breathing.They hadn’t gone far from his car, and the fact that Arial, with a figure other girls would kill for, seemed unusually tired for such a distance.'It could be the hangover,' he thought. When he noticed Ariel was still blocking his path, he furrowed his brow. “Here, drink that,” he replied, passing her a bottle of water.When she felt her throat running dry, she heaved a sigh and took the water, gulping down half the bottle. “Thanks,” Ariel called from behind, and Mason grunted in response, narrowi

Muffled murmurs reverberated through the wall, drawing attention to the closed double doors. As they approached, the whispers grew louder, transforming into frantic screams. Behind the doors, Ariel, being the first to reach the scene, quietly peeps in. Mason reached past her shoulder and nudged the door open. They were immediately greeted by a wave of cheering voices that washed over the auditorium. The room was packed with spectators, and based on the density and energy, he estimated more than a thousand people were watching the competition unfold.The splashes on the water distracted him, drawing his gaze to the pool, where each stroke taken by the swimmers was met with loud cheers from the crowd. Mason shifted his focus to the boy leading the race; unlike his competitors, who were lagging, he was swift and confident. It was almost as if there was a grin on the boy's face every time his head slipped beneath the water's surface.‘He is good,’ Mason muttered, furrowing his brow as