The Rightful Heir

Chapter Two

Liam’s POV

The next morning, I walked into Crestwood with my head down, hoping to get through the day unnoticed. I had worn my faded hoodie, trying to shy away from anyone noticing me. 

In a nutshell, I was not trying to draw any attention to myself. 

But that was a foolish thought.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, the whispers started. It was as if they had waited for me. 

“Did you see the video?”

“Damn, that was brutal.”

“I almost feel bad for him. Almost.”

"Liam was never in their league. I would go and hang if I were him." 

The word stung me more than I cared to admit.

Confused, I pulled out my phone. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the school’s social media forum. The top post had already racked up thousands of views.

"Melissa and Ryan's Grand Confession—And The Loser Who Never Stood A Chance!"

I clicked on the video.

The screen was filled with last night’s cafeteria scene. The moment Melissa kissed Ryan. The laughter, the cheers. But then the camera zoomed in—on me.

There I was, sitting frozen in my seat, my face crumbling in real-time. I remember I had walked out in time, but I still wondered how the camera had managed to have my face captured.

The caption underneath read:

"When a scholarship kid thinks he can compete with the elite."

My heart pounded. My fists clenched into a ball form. Fire burned in me, but I knew I could not do anything. 

They didn’t just want to humiliate me. They wanted to crush me.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket, my entire body burning with shame.

Then came the final blow.

“Hey, Carter!”

Ryan’s voice rang through the hallway, loud enough for everyone to hear. I kept walking, pretending I didn’t hear him, but I should have known better.

He stepped right in front of me, forcing me to stop. A cocky smirk stretched across his face.

“Enjoyed the video?” he taunted.

A small crowd gathered around us, eager for more entertainment.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. “Get out of my way, Ryan. I am not in the mood for any of this." 

"Not in the mood?"

He just laughed. "Poor Liam. Why don't you make me." 

I looked around and saw their faces. One mistake then I would be buried under the rubble of the school. 

No one would remember me or fight for me. 

The crowd snickered.

I turned to walk away, but suddenly ice-cold liquid splashed over my head.

I froze.

Laughter erupted around me as Ryan pulled back his now-empty water bottle, shaking the last few drops onto my already drenched shirt.

The coldness of the water made me grit my teeth in anger. I looked back and my gaze fell on him. 

“Oops,” he said mockingly. “Didn’t see you there.”

I stood there, drenched, humiliated, while the laughter echoed in my ears.

I wanted to hit him. I wanted to wipe that smug grin off his face.

But what would that change? He had money. He had power. If I fought back, I’d be the one punished and end up taking the blame. 

Darn poverty!

I clenched my fists.

Not yet.

I swallowed my pride, turned around, and walked away.

But I didn’t miss Ryan’s last words as I left.

“Stay in your lane, Carter. You’ll never be one of us.”

The rest of the day passed in a haze of whispers and stares. Even my professors seemed to pity me. I spent most of my time hiding away from the shame and ridicule.

I was like a stain that needed to be washed off and trust me, Ryan was doing more than enough to make me feel bad. Like I didn't belong. 

By the time evening rolled around, I couldn’t take it anymore. The jest and cold attitude was getting to me. 

I skipped my part-time job and walked aimlessly through the city streets, my mind clouded with frustration and exhaustion. It was not my fault that I was born poor, I couldn't decide my fate. 

And now when I was trying so hard to rise, Ryan was making it more tougher 

I ended up at an old diner, ordering the cheapest thing on the menu just to have an excuse to sit there. I knew I would be kicked out if I didn't get something on my table. 

I looked at the old crumble note my mother had given to me to feed. I then decided to use that to get a doughnut and some juice. 

I sat down lazily as I stared at my own reflection in the window. 

Things would have been different if I was born with a silver spoon. I would have gone toe to toe with Ryan but I was stuck.

I was nothing in this world.

I had tried to work hard, tried to prove myself, but it never mattered. Money ruled everything.

And I had none.

I rubbed my temples, feeling the weight of my failures press down on me.

I didn’t even hear my phone vibrate at first.

When I finally glanced at the screen, I frowned.

[ One New Message ] 

There was no number. No contact name. Just a simple text.

“Liam Carter, are you ready to claim what is rightfully yours?”

I blinked. I looked back to make sure no one was playing tricks on me. 

Perhaps, this was Ryan's way of making me feel less and less humiliated. 

My phone beeped again, but I didn't look at it and when I eventually did, I was fazed. 

Was this some kind of scam?

Before I could react, another message popped up.

 [ Your future awaits. Do you accept? ] 

[ Press Yes/No ]

Something about the message made my pulse quicken.

And then, as if in response to my hesitation—

A link appeared.

I stared at it, my finger hovering over the screen.

Everything inside me screamed that this was ridiculous, that I should ignore it. It wasn't real.

But something deeper—something desperate—whispered otherwise.

I exhaled slowly.

Then, my heart pounded as I clicked.