Scars before his crown

It was past Eight PM, at Liberty College University. The evening had a festival feel, with students having fun all around. Meanwhile, as the students enjoyed themselves, Lewis Reynolds sat in the quiet Liberty Library, a young student with a book in his hands, fully engrossed in reading.

Despite his handsome appearance, Lewis's clothes made it clear at first glance that he was poor. The truth is, the 23-year-old was an average student, juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. At times, he would run errands for wealthier students just to earn a few bucks, which made him one of the most looked down on students on campus.

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the campus, shattering Lewis's peaceful reading. With a frown, he closed his book and rose from his seat. Since the library was on an upper floor, he walked over to the glass window to see what the commotion was about.

“What!”

The sight that met his eyes was stunning, over a hundred college students had gathered, all shouting and clapping in unison. Their chant, 

‘Say yes! Say yes!’ echoed loudly.

Lewis chuckled. “What’s going on down there?” he wondered.

Just as the words left his mouth, the library doors swung open, and a young man rushed in, clearly in a hurry to grab something and leave.

Lewis cleared his throat and asked, “Excuse me, what’s happening down there?”

The young man turned, a hint of surprise on his face. “Oh? You don’t know? “Larry Martin is actually proposing to one of the campus beauties,” he explained before promptly exiting.

“Larry Martin?” Lewis murmured, the name sounding funny to him.

Larry was a well-known, wealthy figure on the Liberty campus. Flashy cars, lavish meals, and a life of luxury were his trademarks—courtesy of his rich parents.

Larry’s reputation as a playboy was no secret—he seemed to switch girlfriends every week. Even though they all attended the same campus, Lewis had once run an errand for him, discreetly delivering a pack of condoms just to make a little extra cash. So, hearing that the famous, wealthy playboy was actually proposing left him stunned.

“Well, it seems the wind’s taken a different turn today. Maybe I should go watch this Indian drama unfolding live at school.” With that, he closed the novel, returned it to the shelf, and walked out of the library.

The more Lewis walked forward, the louder the chant echoed: “Say yes, say yes, say yes.”

Lewis pushed through the crowd, wanting to see what was happening.

With the noise around him, Larry Martin knelt in the center of the gathered students, holding up a bright, exquisite ring.

Before him stood a young lady with a slender figure, looking captivating even from behind. She seemed stunned, caught off guard by Larry's sudden proposal in front of the entire campus.

Lewis, watching from where he stood, couldn't help but smile. "Is this lady really going to accept this playboy? Oh my God, money must really mean everything."

“You can have anyone you want, anytime, any day,” he said softly, almost to himself.

Then, in a moment that quieted the entire crowd, Larry began to speak. His voice cut through the silence, directed at the young lady.

“Sasha, think about this proposal. You know I’m wealthy—I can give you a comfortable life and everything you’ve ever wanted,” he said.

“Sasha?” Lewis was a bit surprised. The name sounded familiar, and his mind raced to figure out who she could be.

“Well, she’s either going to say yes or no—I don’t really care,” he said quietly, turning away from the scene.

He had taken just a few steps when a voice from the crowd caught his attention.

"Larry Martin will be very happy when Sasha says yes," one of them exclaimed.

Another added, “Yeah, of course—Sasha Lynch is a campus beauty, and Larry’s one of the rich guys. I think it’s going to work out.”

"Whoa! Lewis, who was walking away, suddenly froze. The mention of the name Sasha Lynch stopped him in his tracks, sending a chill through his entire body.

Swallowing hard, he turned to face the group of guys who were having the discussion. Stepping up to the boy who had spoken, he asked, “What name did you just say, please?”

The boy looked him over curiously before answering, “Sasha Lynch. Why? What’s wrong?”

Boom! Lewis’s body shook as he was instantly stunned, his heart racing. Without a word, he turned and hurried back through the crowd to his previous spot.

In that critical moment, Sasha Lynch, one of the campus beauties, couldn't ignore the persistent chants of “Say yes.” She nodded, extended her hand, and said, “Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend, Larry Martin,” showing her finger for the ring.

Larry was pleased to hear this. He had seen Sasha around campus, spoken to her a few times, and was drawn to her beauty. Though known as a playboy who had been with countless women, he wanted Sasha to be his for good. Her stunning looks moved him to plan the surprise proposal.

He held Sasha’s hand with a smile, clearly happy and ready to slip the ring on her finger and make her his girlfriend—until a loud voice suddenly cut through the air, changing everything.

Sasha Lynch!” Lewis’s voice rang out, cutting through the noise like a blade. The sudden shout made Larry’s hand tremble so badly that the ring slipped from his fingers and hit the floor. Everyone turned in shock toward the voice—including Larry, now trembling with anger.

All eyes turned to Lewis, standing at the center in a worn-out shirt. Both Sasha and Larry looked his way—Sasha’s face filled with surprise, while Larry’s showed clear irritation.

Sasha swallowed hard as her eyes met Lewis's, her face betraying a mix of emotions—vulnerability, embarrassment, and something deeper she couldn’t hide.

For Lewis, it was heartbreaking. He silently prayed as he called her name, hoping it wasn’t her. But as reality set in, he realized it was indeed Sasha Lynch—his girlfriend.

Larry’s face twisted into a scowl as he stared at Lewis. “Ah, here comes the famous campus poor guy. Lewis Reynolds, what’s wrong with you? Why shout her name? Are you out of your mind, or is poverty creeping up your spine, clouding your judgment?” Larry's taunts struck hard as he spoke.

Boom!

The words hit Lewis hard, and this time, he couldn’t hold back his anger. His blood boiled, and his body trembled. In an instant, he marched toward Larry.

Bang! Boom! Boom!

Lewis kicked larry hard, landing blow after blow with anger.

“How dare you, spoiled rich brat, speak to me like that? Are you out of your mind?” he shouted, landing another kick.