Third person's pov
As Ethan walked in through the large school gates, his eyes took in the luxurious decorations, rows of expensive cars, and the crowds of guests pouring into the school for the anniversary gala.
He had made it and kept his promise to Emily. He recalled what transpired in the Tyron's family house when he mentioned his interest in attending the gala last night.
He had prepared dinner and stood by the side as he watched the family of three eat.
He waited until they were almost done eating when he spoke up.
"I have something to say," he said, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. Three pairs of eyes settled on him, waiting for him to continue.
Daniel's eyes narrowed as he wondered what Ethan wanted to say.
"I'm sure Daniel must have mentioned that the school's anniversary gala is tomorrow. I want to attend," Ethan said, calmly observing their reactions.
Silence settled over the dining room for a moment before Aunt Gabriella scoffed.
"And who gave you the idea that you're attending? Don't waste your time. You have better things to do at home tomorrow."
She stood up from her seat as if the discussion was already over.
"I'll finish all my chores tonight, but I won't be staying home tomorrow," Ethan replied.
Daniel let out a mocking laugh, causing Ethan to shift his gaze toward him.
"I knew it. Just because you've received a little attention at school, you think you can suddenly act important and start making decisions on your own? Dream on."
Daniel shoved his chair back and rose to his feet, glaring fiercely at Ethan.
Ever since the necklace incident was resolved, Ethan had been getting attention from students and teachers alike. It was something Daniel couldn't stand.
This was the same boy who had spent years living in his shadow, yet now it seemed he was beginning to forget his place.
And Daniel hated it.
Ethan didn't bother responding. He simply turned his attention back to Aunt Gabriella, a gesture that only fueled Daniel's anger further.
"Ethan, you've never attended any of the school's events before. Why are you suddenly insisting on attending this one?" Mr Tyron asked.
He didn't like conflicts and genuinely couldn't understand why Ethan was so determined this time.
However, as he studied the boy, he noticed something different.
The helplessness that had always lingered in Ethan's eyes was gone.
In its place was determination.
And stubbornness.
"That's exactly my point, Uncle. I've never attended any of the school's events before, and this is my final year. Don't you think it's unfair to stop me from attending this one too?" Ethan asked, his voice calm but firm.
His words made everyone stare at him, dumbfounded.
In the past, no matter how much they had bullied him, Ethan never spoke up for once.
What has gotten into him?
Aunt Gabriella was the first to get over her shock and she stomped her foot angrily to where Ethan was. She raised her index finger to point at his face as she glared at him,
"Listen to me very carefully, young man. You are not going anywhere. You don't even have decent clothes to wear. Do you want to go embarass yourself there?" She shouted and Ethan couldn't help the smirk that came on his face.
Since when did his dear Aunt care about his embarrassment?
"Don't worry Aunt Gabriella. I have taken care of my clothes.."
"And how did you do that?" Aunt Gabriella cut him off.
"I bought clothes." Ethan replied blankly.
He had used some of his savings to buy a cheap shirt and pair of trousers that were not that flashy but were decent enough as they were better than his own clothes at home.
Ethan saved some money from the little money he squeezed out from his aunt on few occasions.
He never touched his savings for anything, even when he nearly died from hunger on few occasions. He told himself that he wouldn't touch his money over something as trivial as hunger.
The three people in the room stared at him in shock once again.
Where had he gotten the money?
As far as they knew, Ethan barely had anything to his name.
The thought that he had somehow managed to save enough money to buy clothes had never crossed their minds.
"You ungrateful boy, you have been stealing from me?" Aunt Gabriella shrieked.
"Have your money ever gone missing? Don't worry I didn't buy the clothes with your money so please don't ask about where I got the money from." He said coldly before turning to look at his uncle as he realized he wouldn't get approval from his aunt.
"What do you say uncle?" He asked, facing his uncle calmly.
"You can attend the gala tomorrow." His uncle replied after returning his gaze for some time. His wife and son snapped their heads to look at the man in shock. Is he drunk?
Ethan smiled at his approval before turning to enter the kitchen to continue his chores.
"Dad, how could you give him your approval?"
"Honey, why did you do that? That boy have been stealing from me. Where do you think he got the money from to buy clothes?"
Ethan heard the woman and her son trying to convince the man to change his mind.
He smiled and continued washing the dish in his hand.
Daniel was furious.
The moment Ethan disappeared into the kitchen, he stormed into the boy's room.
He tore through the tiny space, scattering Ethan's belongings as he searched for the clothes Ethan claimed to have bought.
Minutes passed.
Yet he found nothing.
His breathing grew heavier with frustration.
Just then, he heard approaching footsteps.
Panic flashed across his face.
He quickly slipped out of the room before he could be caught.
As Ethan stepped into his small room, he paused at the sight of it.
Everything had been turned upside down — drawers pulled open, his few belongings scattered across the floor.
It didn't take him long to understand what had happened.
So someone really wasn't happy about him attending the gala… and had enough time to come rummage through his things.
A faint, mocking smile formed on his lips as he slowly walked toward the far corner of the room. Without hesitation, he reached up into the small hole in the ceiling.
After a brief moment, he pulled out a black plastic bag , carefully hidden away containing the clothes he had bought for the gala.