Episode 3: The Shadows of Influence

As always when you wake up after the night, it is not be eaten. When the morning comes after a long night, and you think now, let's start fresh. It's a new day. What happened yesterday is the past. Now get your ass up and start fresh. But I am not a normal person. My past never leaves me. My past is like my shadow. And today my day is going to get worse.

After getting ready for a grandiose mansion, the Stone family estate. The sun rises, casting a golden glow over the luxurious property. Inside, the atmosphere is cold and sterile, much like Roman's relationship with his father.

Roman sits at a long, ornate dining table, eating breakfast alone. The room is silent except for the clinking of silverware. His father, Richard Stone, enters, exuding an air of authority and power. He sits down at the head of the table, scanning a financial newspaper.

Richard: "Good morning, Roman."

Roman: "Morning, Dad."

The conversation is terse and formal, a stark contrast to the usual warmth of a family breakfast.

Richard: "I saw the game. Impressive goal."

Roman: "Thanks."

Richard puts down the newspaper and looks directly at Roman, his piercing gaze intimidating.

Richard: "Remember, your actions reflect the person's name. Maintain your image. No distractions."

Roman: "I know."

Richard: "Good. Focus on what matters. Keep your priorities straight."

Roman nods, his face expressionless. Richard's words are more a command than advice, and Roman feels the weight of his father's expectations pressing down on him.

Back at Oakwood University, Roman walks through the campus, his father's words echoing in his mind. Students and faculty alike treat him with a mix of respect and caution. His untouchable status is evident in the way people step aside as he approaches.

Student 1: "There goes Roman Stone. Did you hear his father donated a new wing to the library?"

Student 2: "Yeah, no wonder he gets away with everything. The Stones practically own this place."

Roman overhears their conversation but continues walking, his face betraying no emotion. He heads towards the administration building, where he has a meeting with the dean.

Inside the dean's office, the atmosphere is tense. The dean, Dr. Williams, sits behind his desk, reviewing some documents as Roman enters.

Dr. Williams: "Ah, Roman. Take a seat."

Roman sits, exuding confidence and a touch of arrogance.

Dr. Williams: "I've been hearing some complaints about your... interactions with other students."

Roman: "Is that so?"

Dr. Williams: "Yes. While your father's contributions to this university are significant, it's important you adhere to the same rules as everyone else."

Roman leans back, a slight smirk on his face.

Roman: "With all due respect, Dr. Williams, I'm sure you understand the importance of reputation. Mine, and the university's."

The dean looks uncomfortable but nods.

Dr. Williams: "Of course. Just... keep it in mind, Roman."

Roman: "Always do."

A flashback reveals a young Roman at a prestigious private school. He's in a principal's office, having been caught fighting. His father arrives, looking stern and unyielding.

Principal: "Mr. Stone, your son has been in another fight. We need to address his behavior."

Richard: "Roman, outside. I'll handle this."

Roman exits the office, but the door remains ajar. He overhears his father speaking.

Richard: "My donations keep this school running. Ensure my son remains unhindered, or I'll reconsider my contributions."

The principal, visibly nervous, agrees. Young Roman realizes the extent of his father's power and the lack of consequences for his actions.

Back in the present, Roman sits in his dorm room, the flashback lingering in his mind. He feels trapped by his father's influence and the expectations placed upon him. He picks up his sketchpad, seeking solace in drawing, a secret passion he hides from the world.

As he sketches, his mind drifts to Lily, remembering their brief interaction. Her genuine smile and warm presence contrast sharply with the cold world he's used to.

Roman (V.O.): "She's different. Unaffected by all this."

Roman walks through the campus at night, the weight of his father's expectations heavy on his shoulders. He stops by the library, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lily. Through the window, he sees her sitting at a table, engrossed in another book.

Roman (V.O.): "Maybe there's more to life than this. Maybe... there's a way out."

The episode ends with Roman standing outside the library, a faint hope flickering in his eyes.

The title card appears: "Until I Found You"