Timeless love

Writers pov

It's Anna's first day at Elite High private school. She has just won the national free scholars award for being the best overall student in the country, with a score of about 99, which is very impressive. Even the top student at the school, Henry Akinola Castle, comes from the wealthy Castle family. His father, Mr. George Castle, believes his children should always be at the top. Henry has a brother named Edward Ayotunde Castle. When Henry saw the results, tears filled his eyes. The pressure from his father was too much for him to handle, and it made him dislike the new student even before they met. Anna William is the only daughter of two caring parents-her dad is a civil servant, and her mom is a market trader. She has big dreams, like getting into an elite high school and graduating as the top student so she can earn a scholarship to study wherever she wants. Even though Anna's life seems complicated on the outside, she feels happy with her life inside. "Mama Anna, I heard your daughter passed the Elite scholar exam?" Mrs. William, who only completed her primary education, laughed as she looked up. "Yes, my dear! On Monday, Anna will start at the Elite high school," the market women laughed together and exchanged high fives. Anna, Jacob, and Lila, who have been friends since they were little, stood in front of the simple building, sharing the cherries that Jacob had bought with the money he made from gambling on the streets earlier. "Anna, I swear, if you go to that school and forget about us, I will never forgive you!" Anna laughed in response."Anna laughs and says, 'I just want to study and be the first doctor in my family. My dad even sold our new radio to buy me a pair of shoes that matches my school shoes.' Lila covers her mouth with her hand and bursts out laughing. " Oh Anna, if I were you, I would just stay at our school." They both giggle. " Anna, didn't I tell you that Jacob has feelings for you?" They continue to laugh together. "Lila, be quiet! I don't get why you talk so much," Jacob said, his face looking gloomy as he stared at Lila, who was hiding behind Anna. "Please, everyone, don't argue. I have to get to school really early tomorrow," Anna added. "Don't worry, I'll walk you home. Our moms are both still at the market," Jacob replied, her heart racing with excitement for what tomorrow would bring as she celebrated.

Henry just received a lecture from his father, who was upset that Henry lost his long-standing position to someone he considered a nobody. "Henry, calm down! You got a 97, while I only got a 91. I really messed up," Edward says. Henry wipes his tears and laughs a little. "She's just a poor person from the slum, Edward. How does she think she can come to a school owned by my family and make fun of me?" Edward lets out a sigh. "Henry, stop! You're beginning to sound more like my mom," Henry laughs as he tosses a glass against the wall. The bodyguards don't dare to move. Just as Esther, the maid, is about to leave the dining area, Henry turns his head to look at her.

"Esther, are you blind? There's a glass on the floor; pick it up!" Esther just nods. "Henry, that's enough. Esther, please ignore my brother. He doesn't know what he's saying," Edward says, trying to defend her. "Are you out of your mind, Edward? Remember, I'm still your older brother. Just because we're in the same class doesn't mean we're the same age. And you, Esther, clean it up now because that's what you're paid for." With that, he stands up from the table, and Edward lets out a sigh. Henry rushes into his room, feeling angry, and he slams the door shut. His computer setup is impressive, and his room is decorated in blue. Even though he is only sixteen, he has always wanted to make his dad proud. His mom walks in with a glass of milk. "Henry, here's your milk. Drink it; it will help you relax," she says. He chuckles at his mom. "That's why you're a joke in this house, Mom. You're the first wife, the legal wife, but since you don't have confidence, Dad brought in Stella, and now she acts like the lady of the house while you do the maid's job," Laura says, fighting back tears. "Are you going to cry?" he mocks. "Henry, please don't speak to me like that. I'm begging you. Just because your dad does doesn't mean it's okay," Laura replies as he grabs the milk. He pours it out on the rug in his room, and a sly grin spreads across his face. "Let me show you how it's done," he says as he opens his door and stands in the hallway, shouting. In just five seconds, three people come to help: Grace, Tony, and Juliet, all waiting for his orders.

"Tony, clean the milk off the rug. I actually want a new set by tomorrow morning, and Grace, make sure my room is perfectly clean." He stands with his hands clasped behind his back. "Yes, sir," they all respond as he walks away, leaving his mom in the room. "Aunt Laura!" gasps the helper as she cleans Henry's rug. "Aunt Laura, there you are! I was waiting for my glass of milk," Edward says as he enters the room. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this again," Edward laughs as he puts his arms around Laura Castle. "Aunt Laura, why do you let Henry speak to you that way?" She laughs back. "What do you mean?" Laura gets up and walks out of the room, with Edward trailing behind her slowly. "Don't do that, Aunt Laura! I thought we were friends," Edward says, frowning and stopping in his tracks. "I don't know, Edward. It feels serious now, and I hope he will change someday," Laura replies. Edward then gives Laura a hug, which makes Stella raise an eyebrow at Edward . "Stella, you're back?" Laura asks. Stella laughs. "As a stay-at-home mom, you really know how to give my son attention while yours runs around. Are you trying to make me look like a bad mom, Laura?" Laura gives a small smile. "When have I ever said that? Stella, you know Henry is a handful. He was acting up again, and Edward was just trying to help me," Laura explains, but Stella laughs.

Hmm... those are just the same old excuses," Laura says as she walks away, leaving Edward to stare at his mom. "It's not her fault that you're not great at being a good mom, you know," Stella replies in surprise. "I'm pretty sure she already said that word so you could say it back to me, right?" Edward shakes his head. "It's no use, Mom. Aunt Laura takes care of Henry all day while she also tries to be a mom to me." Stella frowns. "Edward, is this about your exam? I told you I would be working today." Stella tells him . "Mom, you always seem to have new excuses for work. Kyle sent this photo to Henry four hours ago, and apparently your important work was joining the RwOA (Real house wives of Abuja ) of instead of being here for me. I scored 91 just so you know, but Dad didn't care. He only cared that Henry got 97, and he still complains. Do you know how that makes me feel?" Edward starts to cry as he walks away.

Stella's eyes widen in shock as Edward's words hit her like a ton of bricks. She struggles to find the right words to defend herself, but the guilt weighing heavily on her conscience makes it difficult to speak.

"Edward, I... I didn't realize how much this was affecting you and Henry," Stella stammers, her voice filled with regret. "I thought I was doing what was best for you by attending those parties so they don't look down on you. I didn't mean to neglect you both in the process."

Edward's expression softens slightly as he sees his mother's distress. "Mom, I don't why you have to constantly attend those fake parties, but I need you to be there for me too.and I miss you too," he admits, his voice tinged with sadness.

Stella's heart aches as she realizes the impact her lifestyle has had on her son. She takes a deep breath, she wants to make a change. "I'm so sorry, Edward. I promise to make more time for you. Family comes first, always," she declares, her voice filled with sincerity.

Laura stood in the kitchen, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. She was trying to keep her mind off the tension at home, where Edward's outburst still echoed in her thoughts. The boy had a point; she had been juggling too much, and it was taking a toll on both him and Henry.

Just as she finished cleaning up the spilled milk, Edward entered the room, his face still glum. Laura forced a smile. "Hmmm... someone seems grumpy. Did you notice what I made for you?" She set a glass of milk down, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Aunt Laura, I wish I were your son," Edward said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Laura chuckled, though it felt bittersweet. "Oh, don't say that, Edward. How do you think your mom would feel if she heard you say that? Things will improve soon; you just have to be patient."

"But Aunt Laura, is it too much to want just a little bit of attention?" he replied, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Laura pulled him into a tight hug. "Of course not. You deserve all the attention in the world." She ruffled his hair, trying to lighten his heart. "What are you planning to do with this one I gave you?" She gestured to the glass of milk.

"I'm going to binge-watch High School Musical with you," he announced, his mood lifting slightly.

"That's a great idea! Let me get some popcorn!" Laura laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest.

Later that night, after their movie marathon, Laura walked upstairs to face the reality of her life. George was waiting in their bedroom, pacing like a caged animal. He looked up as she entered, his expression a mix of anger and desperation.

"Don't you dare touch me," she said, pulling away when he reached for her.

"Laura, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to be so tough on him," he pleaded, his voice cracking.

"You really think I didn't have a choice about leaving you? I still do. Honestly, George, you aren't the man I married, and I won't pretend that you didn't cheat on me for ten years," she snapped back, her anger bubbling to the surface.

He looked pained, tears brimming in his eyes. "It's my cousin, isn't it? The one you loved before our arranged marriage, right?"

Laura unzipped her dress, the fabric falling away as she flashed a big smile. "Aren't you even going to deny it?"

"Why should I? Did you keep the promises we made on our wedding day?" she challenged, her heart racing.

George stood silent, unable to respond. "You want to walk away from me, Laura? You told my mom you had forgiven me," he said, desperation creeping into his voice.

"I didn't love you, but I respected our marriage vows all these years. I tried everything to love you while the person I was doing it for was busy cheating on me," she replied, her voice steady but her emotions swirling inside.

"Please forgive me," he begged, reaching out to her as she sat down.

"Thank you," he whispered when she hugged him, but she quickly pulled away.

"You make me really angry sometimes. Leaving you is the only thing I can think of. While you're trying to fix things, don't forget to pay attention to Edward. No one forced you to cheat, and it's not his fault that his parents are idiots," Laura said, her voice firm.

George nodded, shame washing over him. The weight of their choices hung heavy in the air, a reminder that love, once beautiful, could also be painfully complicated.

That night, as Laura lay in bed, she thought of Edward's tear-streaked face and the warmth of their shared laughter. She knew the road ahead would be rocky, but for the first time in a long time, she felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. They would find a way to heal, together.

It's Monday morning, and Mrs. Castle is getting her son's lunchbox ready when Stella comes into the kitchen. Stella has on a black short nightie, while Laura is dressed in a white nightgown. Mr. George steps outside in matching pajamas with his wife, Laura, which makes Stella scowl. "Good morning, Daddy," says Henry as he hugs his dad. "Good morning, Henry." "How was your night?" Henry laughs. "It was good, Dad. I promise I'll improve my results," George replies, giving him a small box. Henry opens it quickly and finds a black Rolex Submariner inside.

He hugs his dad again and says, "Thanks, Dad." Edward walks into the kitchen when he spots his dad and Henry. "Edward, check it out! Dad just got me a Rolex," Edward says, his face turning red with a smile. "Good morning, Dad." As George is about to head out, he notices Laura's serious expression. "Morning, Edward." "How did you sleep last night?" "It was good, Dad," Stella laughs. "But, babe, it's not right to buy a present for Henry and not get one for Edward," Stella says to him. "Daniel walks in while carrying a stylish little bag."

"I have a gift for him. Stella, please don't be annoying. Here you go, Edward! It's a Casio MTP E321RL-5AVDF from that series." Edward jumps with excitement. "Thank you so much, Dad!" Edward laughs. George walks away, and Laura feels warm inside seeing them both so joyful. Anna's dad made sure to walk her to the bus stop where the school bus picked her up. As Anna sat down, she stared at her diary until Nora Badmus came over to her. "Hey, girl, are you that smart girl?" Anna nodded. "How do you know?" Anna lifted her head, and they both smiled at each other. "Your picture is everywhere on the school website, and that outfit isn't very official. Don't worry, I have a nice pair in my locker that I can lend you if you'd like." Anna felt her face get warm. "Thanks, but no thanks," Nora says, feeling embarrassed as she sits next to Anna. She takes out a copy of ET magazine. The moment Anna sees Henry's picture on the cover, her heart starts racing, and she feels really warm. "Can I take a look?" Anna asks. Nora passes the magazine to her, and Anna sits there, staring at Henry's photo, noticing there's another picture beside him. "Who is he?" Anna asked, pointing at the photo on the magazine cover. "That's Henry Castle, the son of George and Laura Castle. They own our school." Anna's eyes widened, and she felt a thrilling rush in her chest. "Henry Castle," she repeated in her mind. This was the first time a boy had ever made her feel this way.

The school bus arrives at the school premises, and Anna stands staring to savor the architectural brilliance behind the planning of the building, a top-notch design she simply hasn't seen anything like before. The large football field outside takes her breath away, and other students, who arrive in expensive cars, look at her like she's a visitor. She notices the big track that leads into the main hall of the school, where she spots a basketball court, art classes, and fashion design classes. The bell rings, and everyone comes together in the main hall. "Good morning, wonderful students of Elite High," Laura Chiammanda Castle says. "A long time ago, my grandfather started Elite because he was unhappy with the average quality of education." "I feel proud to say that I studied here, and now my son is a student here too. This shows that we aim to improve, not lower, the learning standards. Let's celebrate another year of great achievements while pushing limits and demonstrating a fresh way of life." A loud round of applause fills the five-hundred-seat hall. Mrs. Castle poses for a quick picture with some students and teachers before heading off with Mr. Castle. "Henry, please don't get into any trouble this semester, I'm begging you," his mom says while adjusting his collar. He lets out a sigh and smiles, but his dad's intense stare forces him to stand up tall. "Yes, mom," he replies as his dad ruffles his hair and moves behind his mom, who is wearing a lemon-colored outfit with matching lemon heels, carrying a Birkin bag, while Edward looks unhappy.

George stood still as Laura turned around and walked toward him. "Have a fun day, munchkin. Keep your brother out of trouble," she said while giving him a hug. George frowned and then turned to face Edward. "Have a nice day, Edward," he said. Edward nodded, and George turned back to head to the car. Shortly after, Laura got into the car with him. "Are you coming to the office with me? We have a shareholders meeting this morning," he ask. But Laura takes off her glasses. "I'll send Lucas as my representative; I have other things to deal with," she replies. He turns to her , "Laura, I know you received a text from Raymond, and that's why you've been staying away from the office since he returned from the UK. The media has been buzzing ever since the news broke, and there are all kinds of rumors going around." Laura tilts her head and gazes at him. "Don't we have staff for this kind of thing, George?" He gritted his teeth. "Why can't you just be there? If you show up, the noise will stop!" "Or is it because you want them to think you're still planning on getting a divorce?" She turned red.

"You worry too much about these matters. I have a branding launch at our store in Lagos this morning, and I need to be there. It's not as serious as you're imagining, so just relax," he said as he loosened his tie. "I promise that I will be by your side at the next shareholders meeting, Honey," she said, giving him a kiss on the lips. He still looked unhappy.