"Earlier, it was my mistake that caused our separation. At that time, Zakky had his own life, and I had no right to interfere. But now, that won't happen again. I'll love him well."
After the interview, Daphne returned home and was immediately questioned by Zak about her comments, particularly her revelation that she had liked Zak first in high school.
Zak had always believed he was the first to develop feelings, thinking that Daphne's affection for him only grew after Zak's confession.
"When did you start liking me?" Zak asked.
"It's been very, very early," Daphne replied.
Daphne then began to recount to Zak her internal journey of falling in love back then.
Daphne first noticed Zak during their freshman year of high school. Zak was tall and stood behind her during the drills.
Her initial impression of Zak was one of striking beauty and a cold voice, resembling an aloof runway model. He had a reserved temperament and seemed untouchab
At the edge of the school yard, Zak hangs out by the gate. The afternoon sun in Utah gives everything a warm vibe, but Zak's world is often colder. Zak, who comes from an orphanage background, often finds himself on the outskirts of social circles. However, there's a notable exception – Daphne. She adding color to his life. As the school day ends and lockers close, Zak sees Daphne carrying a bunch of papers. A breeze rolls through, making her hair dance. She throws up a hand to fix it, then shoots Zak a smile. The sun's giving her white outfit a glow, making her look fresh, kinda like moonlight. Zak's hooked, thinking everything in the world is just a backdrop for Daphne. "What's up with the stare-down? Didn't I tell you to bounce?" she asked. "I got some stuff to handle too." "Got it." Daphne hands Zak some of the papers, saying, "Zakky, check these at home. It's the paperwork I grabbed from Mr. Howe." Zak takes it, then hesitates before saying: "Daphne..." "Yeah?" "It's n
"The orphanage superintendent must have already filled you in on everything, right?" the man remarked, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. "Yes," Zak replied calmly, keeping his gaze fixed on the table. It turns out the man Zak just spotted is actually his family's butler, or you could say, a member of his newly discovered family. He has been sent to find Zak and bring him back to his family.Handing the documents to Zak, he simply said, "Take it." Zak swiftly scanned through the few pages. The contents clearly detailed his birth, how he was taken away by a stranger, and later left at the orphanage after the kidnapper's death. As the butler observed him, he grew increasingly uneasy with each passing moment. The butler was well aware of Zak's parents' attitude towards him, and as a result, his own demeanor towards Zak lacked hint of respect.In that moment, Zak felt like an object on display, casually scrutinized by the man. Methodically organizing the papers, Zak locked eyes with hi
Encountering someone with such an uncanny resemblance would make anyone uncomfortable, and Zak was no exception. However, unlike Juelz Vanderose's aversion, Zak remained calm, shifting his gaze away as he began to eat. "Who might you be?" Juelz loosened his tie and casually tossed it onto the sofa. He then stood beside Zak, gazing down at him, scrutinizing him for a moment before bursting into a disdainful chuckle. "Did you get your face done to look like me? How much did it cost?" Juelz was dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair perfectly styled, a smile gracing his refined face, though there was a hint of arrogance in his brows and eyes. He proudly held a golden trophy in his hand. Zak finished chewing his food and replied, "This is my natural face." His nonchalant attitude and their striking resemblance led Juelz to speculate, and his expression turned cold. "While I can still keep my composure, get out immediately." Zak calmly finished the rest of his meal, then turned a
As the soft glow of light gently cast shadows on Zak's fair face, he looked somewhat melancholic. Putting his book aside, he gracefully stood up and opened the door, his expression becoming serene, hiding any visible emotions.Unaware that Benton Vanderose had arranged Zak's living quarters, Samantha Elliott presumed it was Zak's own choice. She disapproved and said, "There's a bigger room upstairs, yet you insist on staying in this small one. You have to get rid of undesirable habits you've picked up outside, do you understand?"With lowered eyes and a gentle tone, Zak replied, "I understand, Mom."Samantha Elliott gently ruffled Juelz's hair and reminded him, "Remember to go to school tomorrow. At school, don't cause any trouble for Juelz. Juelz is different from you. Don't exploit your resemblance to him for anything else.""I've transferred your living expenses to your card. Mrs. Sears, give it to him."As Samantha Elliott spoke, Zak listened in silence, accepting the bank card ha
Zak hesitated slightly, then softly replied after a while, "C." She sneered, "I know you were the top student in another school, but you're too arrogant. How could you choose option C for this question? Sit down." Mocking laughter filled the classroom. Zak sat down, rotated the pen in his hand, and looked at the answer B on his notebook. He started calculating the next question expressionlessly. "Juelz, you tell us, which option do you choose?" The teacher asked. The question was difficult, and Juelz couldn't find the answer among the given options. However, Zak had already ruled out option C for him. Though uncertain, Juelz smiled and took a guess, "B." "Very good, indeed the top of the grade. Sit down." She praised Juelz and then pointed at Zak, "Look at Juelz, the top student, and then look at you." Her words were filled with disdain. Zak heard the footsteps approaching him and decided to alter his course. When the teacher came closer and looked at his notebook, her express
The man's expression turned rigid, and all his concern vanished. He lingered momentarily before delivering a cold directive, "There's a first aid kit in the living room. Don't let others think we mistreat you." Unconcerned about the origin of his injuries, he made his way up the stairs. "I'm sorry." Benton Vanderose paused in his steps, turning to look back. His brows furrowed as he observed the delicate, somewhat pitiable figure, his lips maintaining a forced smile. Facing the refrigerator, the young man's gaze dropped, his lips still carrying a strained smile. The distinct marks of five fingers were imprinted on his cheek, clearly the aftermath of a powerful blow. A sense of unease welled up within Benton Vanderose, perhaps a mixture of regret and the familiar resemblance between the young man's face and Juelz's - a sight that tugged at his heart. He proceeded up the staircase with a stern expression, entering Juelz's room. Amidst the cacophony of crashing items from the upsta
Carlos Downs stood there, rooted in place, glancing at the umbrella in his hand and then at Zak in the rain, slowly coming to a realization. Was this guy deliberately avoiding sharing the umbrella? For the first time in his many years, Carlos, the young heir, felt a growing sense of irritation. He briefly contemplated reclaiming his umbrella but ultimately decided to enter the school with it still in hand.As he hurried into the educational building, Zak flicked off the rainwater from his clothing, removed his hat, and elegantly tossed back his hair...."In the afternoon, what's your plan for the parent-teacher meeting?" Terrence patted Juelz on the shoulder and winked. "Don't you want to make your little brother's day unforgettable?"Juelz, still nursing some lingering irritation, shot Terrence a sidelong glance. "Got any great ideas?""I've got plenty of them. It all depends on whether you'd like to witness him getting embarrassed or simply enduring a bit of discomfort," Terrence
The two of them arrived at the playground, and Zak took a seat on the steps in front of Juelz.Coming to a stop, Juelz lowered his gaze and began, "You know, I don't actually dislike you that much. It's just that you resemble me so closely that being around you feels like encountering a mirror image."Zak was taken aback by this sudden turn towards emotion. He stood up and met Juelz's gaze, saying, "I understand."Raising his hand, he slowly moved it closer to Juelz's face.This sudden gesture made Juelz furrow his brow, his eyes showing resistance. As he instinctively tried to step back, Zak interrupted, "Wait a second, big brother, there's a bug on your face."Juelz, who had an intense fear of insects, instantly froze, his eyes wide open as he watched Zak's finger make contact with his face, gently flicking something away."My mistake; it was just a mosquito," Zak retracted his hand, chuckling softly. "But don't worry, I've already taken care of it."Seeing the smile on Zak's lips,