1. Poor Calvin Dale

Breakfast that morning didn’t fill Calvin up—Maria had only given him cereal without any additional food. His family was very poor, living in a cramped rented building, and they couldn’t afford much.

“Calvin,” Maria called.

“Yes, Mom?”

“After college, don’t forget to buy some leftover bread from Sam’s Bakery. We need food supplies,” Maria asked, her voice soft but weary.

“Okay, Mom.”

After handing him a small amount of money, Calvin kissed her cheek and headed off to college. He took the city bus, dressed in a faded dark blue T-shirt, a worn jeans jacket with holes, old shoes, and a shabby black backpack. From his appearance, it was clear to everyone that Calvin was a poor student.

But Calvin wasn’t attending just any university—he was a student at Theodore University, the dream school for students all over the country. A place known for its top-tier learning facilities, exceptional graduates, and extensive alumni networks. Many wealthy entrepreneurs and CEOs had started their journeys here.

With its reputation, Theodore University was crowned the best in St. Peters City, a prestigious institution for the children of the rich. Students often arrived in luxury cars, clad in expensive designer clothing, and carried themselves with an air of inherited privilege.

From the first day, Calvin had been ostracized. His classmates considered him beneath them and avoided him entirely. He was enrolled in a business economics course—a department filled with wealthy students who came not just to learn but to build connections. Calvin, however, came to learn and build his knowledge from the ground up.

Even sitting in the front row didn’t garner him any attention. The young man was invisible, acknowledged only by the lecturers, who noticed his intelligence and dedication.

One day, after a lecture, a young man approached him.

“Calvin!” Timothy called out.

“Yes?”

“I’m in your group for Macro Economics, but I’m too busy to discuss. Let’s just do our parts separately,” Timothy said dismissively.

“Okay,” Calvin replied, having no choice.

Timothy glanced at Calvin’s worn shoes with a sneer before walking away. His disdain was evident. Calvin sighed and left the classroom but realized he’d forgotten a book and went back to retrieve it. That’s when he overheard a conversation.

“Seriously, Timothy? Just admit you’re pretending to be busy,” Jonas, Timothy’s close friend, said loudly enough for Calvin to hear. “Aren’t you just gaming all day?”

“Shut up! You know I don’t want to be around him,” Timothy replied.

“But it’s sad, leaving him all alone,” Jonas said.

“Then you can be his group buddy,” Timothy retorted.

“Forget it! I never said anything,” Jonas muttered, backing out of the discussion.

“Exactly! He’s like a charity case. If I hang out with him, I’ll lose my crush for sure,” Timothy scoffed.

“You’re right. I can’t believe someone like him got into Theodore University. Sure, he’s smart, but in the business world, connections are what matter,” Jonas added as the two walked off.

Calvin froze, his chest tightening. He picked up his book and left with a heavy heart. None of this was his fault. He hadn’t chosen to be born without a father or into poverty. He was the son of Maria, a single mother who worked tirelessly to give him a future. Despite her struggles, she managed to send him to the best university in St. Peters City.

Since he turned 17, Calvin had felt a deep responsibility toward his mother. Secretly, he had taken on part-time jobs after school, saving every penny to one day buy her a car. He hated seeing her commute long distances by bus for work. That’s why he lived so frugally.

As he walked down the hallway, a group of girls strode by, not bothering to look ahead. One of them bumped into him, knocking him to the ground and scattering his books. Instead of apologizing, they sneered.

“Can’t you watch where you’re going? You should get glasses, Calvin,” Julia, a blonde with an arrogant air, snapped.

“Don’t be so rude, Julia. Poor Calvin has it hard enough. Look at his shoes—they look like they’re begging for food,” Imelda, the daughter of a regional official, teased.

Calvin stood, brushing the dust off his clothes. He stared at them with a steady gaze.

“Well, aren’t you two lovely. Rich, spoiled girls with trashy attitudes. Did no one teach you how to apologize properly? Sure, I’m poor, but what are you? Aren’t you just living off your parents? Amazing!” he shot back with biting sarcasm.

“You’re insolent!” Julia hissed, raising her hand to slap him.

“Article 30 of the St. Peters Law,” Calvin said firmly. “Any act of violence can result in a minimum of one month in prison.”

Julia froze mid-motion, her hand clenched into a fist, her face red with fury.