Chapter 1 "Shadows of Perfection".
Along the busy streets of the bustling city, a sleek black luxury car moved smoothly through the traffic. Inside, Sixteen-year-old Caelan Levine sat quietly, his sharp features softened by the dim light filtering through the tinted windows.
He has soft, pale skin and delicate features. His dark hair is layered and medium-length, with a slightly tousled, natural look that frames his sharp jawline. His deep, dark eyes are intense and captivating, giving him a mysterious aura.
As the eldest of three siblings, Caelan belonged to one of the wealthiest families in the world. His family’s businesses reached nearly every major industry—banks, malls, factories, hotels, farms, and more. But despite the wealth and success around him, the city outside felt distant to Caelan.
The shining skyscrapers and the crowds of people walking on the streets seemed like a painting—vivid and beautiful, yet completely separate from his own world.
People bustled along the sidewalks, their movements rapid and purposeful. Cars honked impatiently, and the distant hum of city life echoed all around. Yet, inside the insulated bubble of the luxury car, there was only silence.
Caelan shifted in his seat, the leather creaking softly beneath him. His dark, tousled hair fell just above his eyes, but he made no effort to push it back. His thoughts were elsewhere.
Is this all there is? he wondered, his gaze following a group of teenagers walking along the sidewalk, their laughter rising above the city’s noise. Day after day, the same routine. The same expectations.
Caelan blinked, momentarily lost in thought, when he noticed they were nearing the school. He turned his gaze to the academy's grand gate. It had a tall arch that symbolized grandeur, its intricate design a testament to the beauty of the past. Above it, the words "Sanford Academy" were proudly engraved, surrounded by carvings and columns that seemed like guardians of wisdom
On either side of the entrance stood statues of scholars and philosophers, their gazes fixed on the lively courtyard.
Beyond the gate was a tree-lined pathway. Some students strolled leisurely under the sunlight, while others sat on benches, engrossed in reading or quietly conversing.
The car slowly came to a stop, and the soft voice of his family's elderly driver broke the silence. "Young master, we have arrived."
Caelan took a deep breath as the car door opened and he stepped out. He straightened his navy blazer, with its neat and precise white piping. The gold emblem on the chest pocket indicated that he was a student at a prestigious academy. Beneath it, he wore a dark V-neck sweater over a crisp white shirt, paired with a striped tie in red and navy. His gray trousers were sharply pressed, and a small name tag on his collar gleamed in the sunlight. The uniform was simple yet elegant, a reminder of the expectations placed upon him.
In front of Caelan stood a grand academy building in a classic, elegant style. The academy was a sprawling structure made of light-colored bricks, with tall, pointed towers and slate roofs. It had a symmetrical design, large windows, and ornate architectural details that gave it a regal and traditional appearance.
The Sanford Academy was the most elite institution in the world, exclusively attended by the children of the wealthiest and most influential individuals, as well as those few distinguished enough to earn scholarships, making it a bastion of privilege and power.
"In front of the building, a vast soccer field can be seen, surrounded by beautiful gardens with shrubs, flowers, and decorative grass. The students walking and happily chatting add life to the place.
Not far away, modern and expensive cars are parked near the building. The overall atmosphere of the academy is filled with tradition, prestige, and vibrancy."
As Caelan walked into the school lobby, the noise around him quieted. A girl whispered, "Oh my gosh, it’s really him! He’s even more handsome in person."
"Handsome doesn’t even cover it," another girl added, her voice full of admiration. "He’s rich, the top student in our 11th grade class, and basically perfect. How is he even real?"
Caelan kept walking toward the elevator, his face calm and unreadable. The whispers softened, but he could still feel everyone’s eyes on him. Some were filled with admiration, others with envy, but he acted as though he didn’t notice.
When he stepped into the elevator, he moved to the farthest corner and leaned against the wall. A group of students quickly followed, giggling and shuffling nervously. Others hesitated for a moment, unsure, before stepping inside, glancing at him shyly.
Inside the elevator, the silence was almost overwhelming. No one spoke, and the only sound was the faint hum of the elevator. Caelan stood still, staring ahead, as if he didn’t notice the tension in the air—even though he was fully aware of it.
When the elevator reached the third floor, a few students stepped out, Caelan among them. He made his way down the expansive hallway, heading toward his classroom.
As he walked, the conversations he had overheard in the school lobby earlier echoed in his mind.
Perfect, he thought bitterly. The perfect son, the perfect student… the perfect heir. But none of them know me. Not really.
He was about to enter the classroom when a soft voice stopped him. "Good morning, Caelan."
When he turned, he saw Eliza, a classmate of his, standing nearby. Her long black hair fell softly over her shoulders, complementing her gentle face and expressive eyes. Her cheeks flushed as she gave him a shy smile.
Caelan smiled back politely and formally. "Good morning, Eliza."
Eliza's eyes sparkled at his response, but she quickly averted her gaze, her face now bright red. Caylan could sense what she felt for him; he could feel her effort to get closer to him. Eliza was kind, and there was an innocence about her that Caelan found charming, but he knew he couldn't return her feelings beyond friendly regard. Eliza deserved someone who could give her everything.
But that someone isn’t me, Caelan thought as she watched her enter the classroom He sighed. I have too much on my mind and too many responsibilities to focus on things like this.
Caelan walked into the classroom and sat quietly in his favorite seat by the window. He gazed outside, watching the bright sky and the soft clouds drifting like cotton. Below, the trees swayed gently in the breeze.
He thought about the future that was already decided for him.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden swing of the classroom door. Shawn and Jin, his two closest friends, burst in with their usual boisterous energy. Shawn, tall, broad-shouldered, and always grinning, clapped Caelan on the back.
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“Morning, bro!” Shawn’s voice rang out, drawing a few glances from other students. “Ready for another thrilling day of… you know, sitting around doing nothing?”
Jin, shorter but equally lively, chimed in with a chuckle. “You mean sitting around pretending to listen to boring lectures while secretly planning the weekend.”
Caelan’s lips quirked into a small smile. With these two, he could let his guard down. Shawn and Jin didn’t care about his last name or the expectations that came with it. They saw him as just Caelan—their friend. Not the future head of the Levine empire.
“Morning,” Caelan replied, his voice lighter now, the weight on his chest easing just a little.
The three of them chatted casually , their conversation bouncing from basketball to Jin’s latest prank. Shawn was still laughing about his victory in yesterday’s match, and Jin, ever the mischief-maker, was gleefully recounting how he’d managed to slip a fake spider into their history teacher’s desk drawer.
But even as they laughed, Caelan’s thoughts wandered. He envied their carefree lives, their ability to joke about pranks and weekend plans without the looming shadow of duty. It must be nice, he mused, to live without the weight of expectations.
The bell rang, signaling the start of class. As the teacher began droning on about economics, Caelan stared blankly at the board. Numbers and graphs blurred before his eyes. He wasn’t paying attention—he didn’t need to. He had long since mastered the material. His mind drifted back to the familiar pressure that seemed to follow him everywhere. The expectations of his father. The legacy of the Levine family. The future that was already mapped out for him.
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The rest of the school day passed in a blur, much like any other. When the final bell rang, Caelan was one of the first to leave the building. His driver was already waiting by the car, ever punctual. The journey home was quiet, the city’s cacophony fading as they drove through the wealthier districts, where tall buildings gave way to sprawling estates surrounded by manicured lawns.
As they approached the Levine mansion, Caelan’s gazed at the grand mansion from a distance, the light of the setting sun enveloping it, casting a golden glow all around. The architecture of the mansion was extraordinarily lavish, each detail intricate, and its design perfectly symmetrical, like a masterpiece. In front of the palace, the garden was carefully arranged, with symmetrical paths, neatly trimmed plants, and fountains sparkling under the sun. The wide, elegant driveway led up to the main entrance, surrounded by beautiful water features and golden statues. The sky was filled with vibrant hues of orange and yellow, highlighting the mansion of the Levine family, full of beautiful memories and long-standing traditions.
eyes flickered briefly over the vast gardens that surrounded the estate. The gates swung open with silent precision, and the car glided up the long driveway, coming to a stop in front of the grand entrance.
As Caelan entered the mansion, he was greeted by the sparkling chandeliers illuminating the polished marble floor. The golden details on the walls and ceiling added a majestic atmosphere.
Persian rugs softened the marble and brought warmth to the room. At the center stood a round table with vases, surrounded by luxurious chairs. In one corner, a white grand piano stood near a spiral staircase with golden railings.
Large windows allowed natural light to stream in, enhancing the golden hues and casting beautiful patterns on the floor. The living room was filled with luxury and beauty, leaving anyone who saw it in awe.
Caelan saw his twin siblings sitting on the floor, playing, and heard the sound of their laughter. Leyla, his younger sister, noticed his presence and ran toward him, her black hair bouncing as she sprinted. “Brother!” she called out, her voice full of joy.
Caelan barely had time to react before she threw herself into his arms, laughing loudly. He easily lifted her, smiling despite himself. “You’re getting too big for this,” he teased, though there was no real scolding in his tone.
Behind her, Cain, his younger brother, approached more calmly, though a smile was also on his face. “Welcome home, Brother Caelan,” Cain said, his voice gentle but filled with admiration.
Caelan lightly ruffled Cain’s hair, feeling warmth in his chest. At least here, with them, I can be myself.
Their mother appeared at the doorway from the kitchen, her figure elegant and composed as always. She was the picture of beauty and grace, her long dress flowing like waves as she approached. “How was your day, dear?” she asked, her voice soft and gentle.
“It was fine, Mom,” Caelan replied, his smile now more genuine. His mother’s presence always brought him peace.
“Go change, dear,” she said. “Your father will be home soon, and we’ll share dinner together.”
Caelan nodded and made his way upstairs. His room awaited him—a luxurious space with a blue and gold theme, featuring a wide bed with a carved gold headboard, a large crystal chandelier, and tall arched windows that let in sunlight, offering a view of the beautiful gardens. The walls and ceiling were adorned with intricate designs, and the room was furnished with elegant curtains, a soft blue carpet, and matching furniture, all contributing to a regal and dignified atmosphere.
Like the rest of the mansion, his room was vast and meticulously decorated. The large windows overlooked the gardens, where colorful flowers bloomed in neat rows—a testament to his mother’s love for gardening.
He stood by the window for a moment, briefly gazing at the colorful display below. My life is perfect, he thought. I have everything anyone could ever wish for. Wealth, status, a loving family… There's nothing more I could ask for.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. “Young master, your father has arrived,” a maid said. “Your mother asked me to tell you that dinner will be served shortly.”
“Thank you,” Caelan replied. He adjusted his clothes, straightened his collar, and then headed downstairs.
When Caelan came downstairs for dinner, he found his father already sitting at the head of the table. His father was strict and feared in business, known for his tough approach and strong will. But at home, he was different—loving and protective of his family. His mother sat beside him, calm and graceful, while the twins, full of energy, fidgeted in their seats. They all looked up when Caelan entered, and for a moment, everything seemed to slow down. He was the last to arrive, and their eyes softened, a quiet reminder of the warmth and comfort of family.
"Good evening, Father," Caelan said warmly as he sat down at the table.
His father looked up and asked, "How’s your studying going?"
"Everything’s fine, Father. No problems," Caelan replied, smiling to reassure him.
"You're visiting your grandfather this weekend, right?" His father paused and then added, "I have a party on Friday night. I want you to come with me. You’ll meet some of our business partners, so it’s important for you to get to know them."
Caelan nodded. "Yes, Father. I’ll go with you," he answered politely, knowing it was important, even if he wasn't looking forward to the event.
"Caelan," Dewan said, his voice gentle and warm, "when you visit your grandfather on Saturday, don't forget to bring those tea leaves from the kitchen. He always appreciates them."
“Of course, Father,” Caelan replied, his tone respectful. He glanced at his father, who met his gaze with a look of approval. The unspoken expectations between them were always there, but so too was the pride. His father expected much of him, but Caelan had no intention of disappointing him. Not his father, not his family.
After dinner, the family gathered in the living room. Caelan’s mother sat at the piano, her graceful fingers dancing effortlessly across the ivory keys. The soft, melodic notes filled the room, their soothing rhythm wrapping around Caelan like a comforting embrace. Each note seemed to wash away the heaviness of the day, bringing with it a calm he rarely found outside these walls.
He leaned back in his chair, the tension slowly leaving his body. His eyes drifted to his mother, her delicate features illuminated by the fading light. There was a serenity in her expression as she played, her love for music evident in every graceful movement. The melody she played was one she had composed herself, a quiet, gentle tune that had always been Caelan’s favorite. It was a lullaby of sorts, one that reminded him of simpler times—of childhood, before the weight of responsibility had settled on his shoulders.
For a brief moment, the rest of the world faded away. The expectations, the obligations, the constant pressure to live up to his family’s name—it all seemed so distant, so unimportant, compared to the warmth and peace of this moment. Maybe, just maybe, this was enough. Maybe he didn’t need to question his life, or wonder about what lay beyond the carefully constructed walls of his perfect existence.
As the last notes of the song lingered in the air, Caelan closed his eyes, letting the melody lull him into a rare sense of contentment. , in this moment, everything felt just right.