The Ride Home

Mirror Crown

The class finally ended, and Xavier couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had been gnawing at him all day. His mind was a constant whirlwind of confusion, and he could barely remember what had been taught during the lecture. It all felt so distant, like he was living in someone else's life.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, students began to file out of the room. Xavier stayed seated for a moment, hoping that by lingering, he could avoid facing the chaos of reality for just a few more seconds. He glanced around, watching as the other students exchanged whispers and jokes, clearly comfortable in their routines. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing.

But Xavier? He had no idea.

This isn't my life. None of this is real.

With a sigh, he stood up and grabbed his things, trying to blend in as best as he could. As he made his way out of the classroom, his gaze was drawn to Richard, who was talking with a few of the other students. Richard caught his eye again, that same piercing, calculating look crossing his face for a brief moment before he turned his attention elsewhere.

Xavier quickly averted his gaze and hurried down the hallway, eager to escape the stifling atmosphere of the school.

When he reached the main entrance, he was greeted by a staff member who motioned for him to follow. "Mr. Classic," the staff member said with a polite nod. "Your car is ready."

Xavier nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. His stomach churned. He was so tired of pretending. Tired of acting like Christian, tired of being thrust into a life that wasn't his.

What happens when I get home? What's waiting for me there?

He followed the staff member outside to a sleek black car parked at the curb, its windows tinted just enough to shield him from the world. The driver, who looked well-trained and unbothered, stood by the door, waiting for Xavier to approach.

As he got into the car, the world outside seemed to blur as the vehicle began to move. Xavier settled back into the plush seat, staring out the window as the city passed by. The bustling streets, the tall buildings—it was all so familiar, yet so distant.

The ride felt like it took forever, the silence in the car almost suffocating. Xavier tried to clear his mind, but the thought of Christian's life still weighed heavily on him. Every second, every detail felt more like a lie, and Xavier wasn't sure how much longer he could keep this up.

Eventually, the car pulled up in front of a grand, imposing building. The mansion—Christian's home—towered above him, its high gates opening with a soft hiss as they approached. It looked like a palace, a place that only someone with unimaginable wealth could call home.

The car came to a stop, and Xavier hesitated for a moment before stepping out. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, the sheer scale of it almost suffocating. As he walked toward the front door, he couldn't help but feel small, lost in the shadow of Christian's life.

Inside, the house was even more magnificent. Polished marble floors, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, and artwork from renowned artists decorating the walls. It was a space that spoke of wealth and power, a space that Christian had likely been born into.

And now I'm supposed to live here, Xavier thought, feeling a wave of dizziness. I'm supposed to be him.

As he walked further into the house, he was greeted by more staff—polite, efficient, all moving in perfect harmony. One of them handed him a set of keys with a respectful bow, and Xavier was led to his room. He stood in the doorway, staring at the luxurious space before him.

The bed was large enough to fit an entire family, draped in rich silks and velvet. The walls were adorned with fine art, and the view from the window revealed the sprawling grounds of the estate. Everything was pristine, untouched.

Xavier couldn't help but feel like an intruder. This wasn't his life. He didn't belong here. But it didn't matter, did it? He was Christian now. He had no choice but to live this life.

As he sat down on the edge of the bed, he tried to calm his racing thoughts. The confusion, the fear, the weight of being Christian Classic—it all seemed too much. He ran his hands through his hair, letting out a deep breath.

What happens tomorrow? He thought, his heart pounding. What happens when the truth finally catches up with me?

He didn't have the answers, and for the first time since he'd taken on this new life, Xavier felt a flicker of doubt. Was he strong enough to keep this up? To live a life that wasn't his?

I have to. The thought echoed in his mind, the only thing he could hold onto in a world of uncertainty. I have no choice.

The room was eerily quiet as Xavier lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering what the next day would bring—and how long he could keep pretending.