Chapter 8

Chapter eight 

Ethan stared at his phone, the screen glowing in his hand. The message from Dylan was brief but cryptic:

"We need to talk. Urgent."

His thumb hovered over the screen. Dylan had tried being his friend. He had always given Ethan insight into what was going on in the school and also asked him to stay away from Tessa. 

Sighing, he slipped the phone into his pocket. Whatever Dylan wanted could wait. For now, his mind was consumed by the revelation of being the son of a wealthy and rich man.

The elevator ride down felt interminable, each ding pulling him closer to the floor exits. Could it really be true? Was Richard Sterling his father? And if so, what would that mean for his future? The idea of being tied to the powerful Sterling family both intrigued and terrified him.

Emerging onto the bustling city street, Ethan tilted his face toward the sun. The warmth was a stark contrast to the cold knot forming in his stomach. He needed clarity, and there was only one way to get it.

Later that evening, Ethan sat on the edge of his bed, the black leather folder Charles had given him spread out before him. The photograph of his mother and the younger Richard Sterling stared back at him like a challenge, daring him to seek the truth. Beneath the photo lay the sealed envelope Edward had handed him earlier. He picked it up, his fingers trembling slightly as he broke the seal.

Inside was a single sheet of paper:

"DNA testing kit enclosed. Return to the address provided within 48 hours for expedited results."

Ethan tossed the paper aside and examined the small kit. The idea of sending his DNA to strangers didn't sit well with him, but it was the fastest way to get answers. Yet, doubt gnawed at him. What if this was all a trap? What if the Sterlings had ulterior motives?

Ethan got some of his hair and a bit of his saliva. He gently placed them back in the paper envelope and thought of when to mail it. His thoughts went back to what was going to happen to him. The thought of being rusticated away from school gnawed at him. Ethan had made a lot of sacrifices just to get to where he was today. 

He shut his eyes in anticipation of what was going to happen to him the following day. 

Ethan got to school early; the thought of having to cross paths with Derek frightened him.

He sat alone in the garden with his thoughts drawn back to what could happen to him if he was expelled. A suspension might be better seeing that he cannot win Tessa. 

The students began to troop into the school premises with the rumor of Ethan's suspension on the lips of each student. 

Ethan clenched his fists as he overheard snippets of their conversations.

"Did you hear? Ethan might get suspended!"

"Serves him right for getting into Derek's bad books."

"I bet Tessa's relieved. She's probably better off without him anyway."

The whispers stung more than Ethan cared to admit. He had always been a survivor, pushing through obstacles with sheer determination, but this time felt different. This wasn't just a fight against Derek; it was a battle against the entire school's perception of him.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the school day, Ethan kept his head down and headed to his locker. He was sorting through his books when he felt a hand grip his shoulder. He looked back, and he saw Dylan smiling at him. 

"You scared me for a bit, Albert. Have you been stalking me?" Ethan asked, staring at him. "Stalking you? No. I was worried you were not replying to your messages. Didn't you get them?" Dylan said, taking a seat beside him. 

"I just want to be left alone. A lot is going on with me at the moment." Ethan replied. 

"Is this about the suspension?" Dylan lifted his eyebrows to meet him. "That is part of it. Take a look at me, Dylan. Do I resemble him?" Ethan asked, getting up on his feet. 

"Him? Who? What are you talking about?" Dylan asked, staring at Ethan. 

Without saying a word, he gave his phone to Dylan. "Do you think he is my father?" 

Dylan looked at the picture and back at Ethan. "Well, there is a striking resemblance here, but Richard Sterling, your father?" He let out a smirk. "I don't know what to think, Ethan. Did someone contact you?" 

" Yes, a man named Charles. I think he was talking about my lineage, and I am pretty convinced he knows more than he is telling me." Ethan looked at Dylan, who was still staring at the picture he was holding. 

"I think if there is a chance of you being a family to the popular Sterling, then I think you should take the leap. This might be your way out of the mess you are in." 

"I wasn't in any mess. Tessa lied right after I worked my ass off to help her. She said she loved me." Ethan looked at Dylan's face. "I lied." A voice came back at them both. 

"Why would I love someone like you? With you gone, Derek will learn to appreciate and love me. You are just a means to an end."

The word hurt Ethan. He clenched his hands in anger as he looked at Tessa. A woman he thought loved him. "Ethan Cross?" One of the seniors walked into the garden. Ethan looked at his face. "You are being summoned." 

"Wish me luck." Ethan looked at Dylan, who shook hands with him. As he walked towards the administrative office, his heart beat fast. 

His hands were on the knobs when he heard his name called gently. "Ethan Cross?" He looked back to see two men in black suits. All the students looked at Ethan and wondered what was happening. The men got closer to him, and they immediately bowed, leaving Ethan dazed.