Morning at St. Jude's Academy always felt like a battlefield for Winter. As a Grade 11 student, she was the "Ice Queen"—a figure of perfection who glided through the hallways while others parted like the Red Sea.
"Winter," her teacher called out, stopping her in the hallway. "Your father called. He wants to make sure your speech for tonight's gala is perfect. He said his reputation depends on it."
Winter's eyes remained as cold as a frozen lake. "He doesn't need to worry," she replied shortly, her voice flat and icy. "He only cares about his reputation anyway, not me."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving the teacher frozen in stunned silence. To her father, she wasn't a daughter to be loved, but a masterpiece to be showcased. This Gala was merely a high-stakes business strategy—a calculated move to use her "perfection" as bait for wealthy investors. Their relationship was nothing more than a cold business transaction; he provided the luxury, and in return, she provided the flawless image he needed for his success.
Lunchtime arrived. Winter was sitting at her table, trying to eat in peace, when a group of girls suddenly surrounded her. They wore bright, fake smiles that made her stomach turn.
"Winter, is your speech ready? We're all so excited," one girl said. "You're always so perfect. Do you ever even get nervous?"
Winter looked at them, but all she heard were lies. She knew they praised her to her face, but behind her back, they whispered that she was just a 'nepo baby' who only succeeded because of her father's power. They didn't admire her; they were just waiting for her to fail.
Unable to stand their fake words any longer, Winter abruptly stood up. Without saying a word, she left her half-eaten meal and walked out of the loud cafeteria.
She headed to the quiet upper balcony of the school, needing to breathe. To her surprise, she wasn't alone. Sonata was there, wearing his headphones and leaning against the railing while staring out at the vast, open sky.
As she approached, he didn't pull off his headphones or act surprised. He just kept his gaze fixed on the horizon and asked quietly, as if he had been waiting for her:
"The sky is beautiful, isn't it?"
In that high, quiet place, away from the lies and the heavy expectations, Winter felt like she could breathe again.