Chapter Two: Founder's Day
The day everyone had waited for finally arrived.
Across the city, students woke up filled with excitement. Founder's Day was not just a celebration—it was an opportunity. There would be competitions, exhibitions, and performances, some of which could earn students scholarships and a chance to represent the school at the forthcoming state competitions. Every student had prepared diligently, hoping this day would change their future.
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The Thompson Mansion
At the Thompson mansion, the atmosphere was lively. Rachel and her brother Andrew were beaming with excitement as they moved around the house, making final preparations.
"Rachel!" Mrs. Thompson called warmly. "Are you ready, my dear?"
"Yes, Mum," Rachel replied happily.
"My beautiful baby," her mother said with a smile. "I hope you and your brother prepared well. Your father and I will be there to cheer you on."
"Don't worry, Mum," Rachel said confidently. "We're the future of the Thompson family. We'll make you and Dad proud."
"That's my girl," Mrs. Thompson said, then asked her to call Andrew.
Rachel found her brother upstairs. "Andrew, Mum wants to see you."
"Alright," he replied.
"My son," Mrs. Thompson said fondly when he arrived, "how are you doing?"
"I'm good, Mum."
She smiled. "Your father and I are happy to be here for Founder's Day. One day, when you've finished school and come of age, you'll take over the Thompson Group."
Andrew nodded.
"Take care of your sister," she added gently. "She's all you have."
"I won't let her out of my sight," he promised.
"What about Dad?" Andrew asked. "I haven't seen him this morning."
"He went to the office to sign some documents," she replied. "He'll meet us at the school."
Soon after, Andrew met Rachel downstairs. "Ready?"
"Just grabbing a few things," Rachel said. "I'll be right down."
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The Carter Mansion
At the Carter mansion, attention was focused on Moon's four brothers. Their mother, Margaret Carter, watched them proudly.
Looking at Joseph Jr., she smiled. "It won't be long before you take over the company."
Genesis quickly asked, "Mom, what about me?"
Margaret chuckled. "All of you will have a share—once you grow up and finish your studies."
The boys were delighted.
Then Richard spoke coldly. "That girl isn't going to take part of our inheritance, is she?"
Margaret smiled dismissively. "Although she carries the Carter name, she means nothing to me. She has no place in this family's business."
Moon heard every word.
Her heart broke, and tears streamed down her face. Just then, Catherine Morris, the housemaid, came upstairs and saw her crying. She immediately pulled Moon into a warm embrace.
"Don't listen to those words," Catherine said softly. "Focus on your education. You'll be great one day. People will look up to you."
Her encouragement lifted Moon's spirit.
Later, Moon remembered her clothes had been ruined by her brothers. She returned to Catherine and explained what had happened. Catherine smiled reassuringly and asked her to bring the clothes.
"I'll fix them for you," she said.
When Catherine finished mending them, Moon hugged her tightly. "I've always seen you as my mother."
Catherine's eyes softened. "I'll always be here for you. Whenever you're confused or hurting, come to me."
Moon smiled, grateful for the one person—aside from her grandfather—who truly supported her.
Soon after, Moon dressed and waited for her friends. Moments later, Rachel, Jacob, and Andrew called out to her.
"I'm coming!" Moon said as she ran downstairs.
Together, they headed to school.
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Founder's Day at Melbourne Grammar School
The school hall was beautifully decorated. Teachers, parents, and students filled the seats as excitement buzzed through the air.
The principal stepped forward and welcomed everyone, thanking the parents and guardians for honoring the invitation. The school choir was then invited to perform the welcome song. As they sang with confidence, the audience cheered and applauded warmly.
While the applause continued, the principal approached Moon. "Are you ready for your speech on the origin of the school?"
Moon smiled nervously. "Yes."
Soon, her name was called. For a moment, she froze—but Rachel and Jacob encouraged her from their seats. Taking a deep breath, Moon walked onto the stage with calm confidence and delivered her speech.
The hall erupted in applause.
Everyone was pleased—except her parents, who later complained that the opportunity should have gone to Joseph or Richard. The response they received was simple: Moon was the most suitable student.
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The Art Exhibition
As the day continued, excitement grew for the art exhibition. Students were asked to define peace through their drawings. Among the participants were Moon, Rachel, Jacob, Richard, and Joseph.
When time was up, the judges examined the artworks carefully. One drawing stood out—Moon's.
She had drawn a violent storm filled with chaos, yet at the center stood a bird protecting her children, calm and unbroken. Despite the destruction around them, the birds remained untouched.
"That," one of the judges said softly, "is peace."
The hall fell silent—then burst into applause.
Moon searched the crowd and saw her grandfather cheering proudly. Overwhelmed, she felt tears rise. Rachel hugged her tightly and whispered, "I'm proud of you." Jacob and Andrew joined in to congratulate her.
Moon was announced as the winner. She received gifts, praise, and a full scholarship to university, with the freedom to choose her institution. Her grandfather promised to take her shopping after the event.
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After the Celebration
While everyone else celebrated, the Carter family accused Moon of stealing the prize from Joseph.
Unable to hold back, Moon asked, "Why is everything always my fault? You saw the drawings yourselves."
Her mother responded with anger and struck her.
Moon fled to her room in tears, clutching her medals and questioning why she was treated differently from her siblings. Catherine soon came to comfort her.
"You're already going places," Catherine said firmly. "Keep working hard. Everything else will fall into place."
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A New Beginning
That evening, Rachel and Jacob arrived with a surprise. They took Moon to Jacob's house, where his parents congratulated her warmly. In Jacob's room, they revealed the gift—a phone.
Moon was overjoyed.
Later that night, Andrew confessed his feelings. He admitted he had liked her since childhood. Blushing, Moon confessed she felt the same, and she agreed to be his girlfriend. Andrew gifted her a bracelet engraved with her name.
Rachel squealed with excitement. "I knew it!"
They laughed, played games, and shared snacks until it was time to leave.
Andrew drove Moon home, promising to protect her, support her academically, and always be there for her.
As Moon stood in the Carter compound, she looked up at the sky and whispered to herself that one day her name would be known beyond the school—across the world.
Her phone rang. It was Andrew.
"Good night, my angel," he said.
"Good night," Moon replied, smiling softly.
The call ended, Moon smiled remembering how good it was and how she have ended with Andrew as her boyfriend, as she was thinking she drifted off.