New Beginnings
The morning air carried a softness that hinted at change — a feeling of something new just beyond the horizon. For the first time in years, Ava woke up smiling before her alarm even buzzed. She sat up in bed and stared at the folded letter lying on her nightstand, the golden crest of Starlight University glinting faintly in the weak sunlight that filtered through the curtains.
She picked it up gently, like something sacred, and reread the first few lines for what must have been the hundredth time. It still didn't feel real. She'd made it. She was actually going to Starlight University.
The thought sent a wave of excitement through her. She pressed the paper to her chest and whispered, "I'll make you proud, Mom."
From the kitchen came the familiar sizzle of eggs in a pan and her mother's off-key humming. Ava smiled and got up, pulling her robe around her shoulders. The small apartment looked brighter that morning — or maybe it was just her heart that had changed overnight.
When she stepped into the kitchen, her mother was already fussing over breakfast, wearing that same faded apron that read "Best Mom Ever" in peeling letters. The air smelled of butter and instant coffee.
"Morning, sweetheart," Caroline greeted, turning with a spatula in one hand. "You were smiling in your sleep again. Dreaming about your big future already?"
"Something like that," Ava said with a grin, slipping onto one of the rickety stools by the counter. "I just can't believe it's actually happening."
Caroline smiled, though there was a faint tiredness behind her eyes. "Believe it. You worked hard for this, Ava. It's your time now."
Ava took a bite of toast and hesitated. "Mom… you didn't sleep again, did you?"
Her mother waved a hand dismissively. "I was too excited for you, that's all."
Ava gave her a look. "Mom."
Caroline sighed and leaned against the counter. "Fine, I was finishing a few dresses for Mrs. Graham's boutique. I need the extra pay before your first term begins."
Ava's chest tightened. "You don't have to overwork yourself. I'll find a job on campus or something—"
"Absolutely not," Caroline said firmly. "You're going there to study, not to stress over part-time jobs. Let me handle the rest, okay?"
"Mom…"
Caroline reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. "You've carried enough already. It's my turn to carry you."
Ava didn't argue. She just smiled faintly, feeling a lump rise in her throat. Her mother had always been like this — quiet, stubborn, endlessly selfless. And Ava swore that one day, she'd pay her back for every sleepless night, every sacrifice, every smile that hid exhaustion.
The sound of knocking at the door interrupted the moment.
Caroline opened it to reveal Lina, practically glowing with excitement. She had a pink backpack slung over one shoulder, her hair tied in a messy bun, and she was holding a coffee cup that read "Future CEO."
"Good morning, future Starlight student!" Lina said dramatically, nearly bouncing on her feet. "Are you ready to conquer the kingdom of the rich?"
Ava laughed. "Barely. Come in."
Lina stepped inside and immediately hugged her. "I still can't believe it! We're going to Starlight together! The biggest, most glamorous school in the entire country, and we—two normal girls—actually got in!"
Caroline chuckled. "You two better make that school proud. I'll be bragging to everyone in the neighborhood."
"Oh, we'll make you proud, Mrs. Thompson," Lina promised, giving a mock salute. "We'll study, behave, and maybe fall in love with a billionaire along the way—"
"Lina!" Ava burst out laughing, nearly choking on her coffee.
"What?" Lina said innocently. "It's Starlight. Those guys practically walk around with gold-plated shoes."
"More reason to stay away," Caroline said with a half-smile. "Some of those rich boys think they can buy everything — even people."
Lina raised her brows. "Not this one," she said, nodding toward Ava. "She'll probably lecture any rich guy who tries to talk to her."
Ava rolled her eyes. "I'm going there to study, not start a rebellion."
"Sure, sure," Lina teased. "We'll see how long that lasts."
They spent the rest of the morning laughing, packing, and running through last-minute details. Ava checked her documents three times while Lina took selfies, shouting captions like "New chapter, who dis?" and "Rich campus, broke girls incoming!"
Caroline watched them with a mixture of pride and sadness. She busied herself folding clothes and zipping suitcases to hide the tears welling in her eyes. When Ava caught her staring, she smiled softly.
"Mom, I'll call you every day," she promised.
Caroline nodded, forcing a smile. "Just focus on being happy."
"I will," Ava said quietly.
By afternoon, their small apartment looked emptier. Two suitcases stood by the door, waiting. Ava looked around the room one last time — the peeling wallpaper, the old couch, the tiny dining table. Every piece held a memory.
Her mother hugged her tightly at the door, whispering, "Go make a life you're proud of."
Ava's eyes shimmered. "I'll make both of us proud."
Lina wiped her own eyes dramatically. "Okay, enough crying. If we start now, we'll be a puddle by the time we reach campus."
Ava laughed through her tears and nodded. Together, they left the apartment, dragging their bags down the narrow staircase. The afternoon sun greeted them warmly, and Ava felt a strange flutter in her chest — a mix of fear and excitement. The world suddenly felt so much bigger.
---
Across the city...
In a mansion large enough to swallow Ava's entire neighborhood, the morning was just beginning.
Ryan Blake stood in front of his mirror, buttoning up a crisp white shirt while trying to ignore the speech his father was giving behind him.
"You'll be starting at Starlight next week," Mr. Blake was saying, pacing the room. "Remember, the Blake name carries weight. People will watch you. Expect you to lead."
Ryan barely nodded. "Yeah, I know."
"You say that every time," his father replied sharply. "But I'm not seeing it. You're intelligent, Ryan, but you waste it."
"I get top grades," Ryan muttered. "Isn't that enough?"
"No," Mr. Blake snapped. "Grades don't make a man. Character does. And you've been running around like a spoiled playboy—"
"Maybe because that's what you raised me to be," Ryan shot back, turning to face him.
For a moment, silence filled the air. The words hung between them like a crack in glass.
Mr. Blake's jaw tightened. "You're lucky I don't take that tone personally. But I'll say this once, Ryan — Starlight is your chance to prove you're more than your reputation."
Ryan sighed, grabbing his blazer. "Fine. I'll go. I'll 'prove' myself. Whatever that means."
Mrs. Blake, who had been quietly observing from the doorway, stepped in with a calm voice. "That's enough, both of you. It's a new start. Let him breathe."
Mr. Blake left the room without another word, muttering something about "wasted potential."
Ryan sat on the edge of his bed, his eyes distant. His mother walked over and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"You know your father loves you," she said softly. "He just doesn't know how to say it."
Ryan smirked weakly. "Yeah. His version of love is yelling at me before breakfast."
She laughed quietly and kissed the top of his head. "You'll understand him someday."
"Maybe," Ryan said, standing. "Or maybe I'll just make my own way."
Mrs. Blake's smile was bittersweet. "Do that — but try not to lose yourself in the process."
Ryan looked at his reflection one last time — the polished heir everyone admired but few really knew. He didn't feel ready for university life. To him, it was just another stage, another expectation. Another cage.
He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked out, the sound of his father's voice still echoing faintly down the corridor.
---
Back to Ava and Lina
The bus ride to the city was long and filled with chatter. Lina talked endlessly about what she planned to wear for orientation week, while Ava stared out the window, lost in thought. The roads grew wider, the buildings taller, and soon, the skyline of the capital stretched before them — glass towers glinting in the sunlight.
"This place looks like another world," Ava whispered.
"It is another world," Lina said, her voice hushed in awe. "And we're officially in it."
They both laughed softly, unable to contain their excitement. The bus finally stopped near the main gates of Starlight University, and when Ava stepped down, her breath caught.
The campus was breathtaking — sprawling gardens, marble fountains, and buildings so tall they touched the sky. Students walked around in designer clothes, carrying laptops that probably cost more than her mother's yearly salary. Sleek cars lined the parking lots, and the faint scent of expensive cologne drifted in the air.
Ava clutched her bag tighter, her heart racing. "Lina, are you sure we belong here?"
Lina looped an arm around her shoulders. "Of course we do. We worked for this. Besides, you got in on merit. Half of them are here because their dads bought a building."
Ava chuckled nervously. "That's not comforting."
"Come on," Lina said, grinning. "Let's go sign in before someone mistakes us for the cleaning crew."
Ava laughed, but deep down, she felt the weight of every curious glance thrown their way. Some students stared openly — the way you'd look at something out of place. But she lifted her chin, forcing a smile.
She wasn't going to let anyone make her feel small here. Not on her first day.
As the two girls walked past the gates, a gust of wind blew Ava's hair into her face. She pushed it back and glanced up — at the towering logo of Starlight University engraved in gold above the main entrance.
Her stomach fluttered. "We're really here," she whispered.
Lina squeezed her hand. "Welcome to the halls of dreams, Ava."
Neither of them noticed the black car pulling up near the administration building — nor the tall figure stepping out, sunglasses hiding his eyes, phone in hand, looking every inch the careless rich boy he was.
Ryan Blake had just arrived at Starlight University.
And though they didn't know it yet, their worlds were about to collide — in ways neither of them could ever imagine.