Chapter 1The Boy Who Chose Wrong

I was the scholarship kid sponsored by the wealthy Sterling family.

After seven days of the silent treatment from Holden Sterling, the family’s heir, over a trivial argument, I finally cracked.

I planned to use discussing college applications as an excuse to apologize and make up.

But when I walked into his classroom, I saw him sitting at the new transfer student’s desk, helping her pick colleges.

After a long while, he finally looked up, his gaze bored and dismissive.

"What do you want?"

"I don't care where you apply. I don't want to go to the same school as you anyway!"

I looked up, stunned.

Suddenly, a barrage of floating text—like a livestream chat—scrolled across my vision:

【Ugh, the second male lead is being stubborn again. So annoying.】 【He says he doesn't want to go to the same college, but he secretly bought two sets of dorm supplies.】 【Please, girl, don't chase him anymore! North State is great, you'll meet the real male lead sooner!】 【Exactly! The male lead is handsome, smart, and totally devoted. Way better than this arrogant jerk who can't express his feelings!】

* * *

It was "College Decision Day" at our high school.

The moment I walked into Holden’s classroom, laughter erupted.

"Oh look, Holden, your little shadow is here again!"

"Does the Sterling family still adopt her even after graduation? They're too kind."

"I heard they were betrothed as kids, didn't you know?"

"To be fair, Luna is pretty. Having her as a girlfriend wouldn't be a loss."

The jokes flew around the room.

Holden didn't move. He didn't even turn his head.

He wasn't at his own desk. He was sitting next to Chloe, the new transfer student, holding a fountain pen, meticulously analyzing her SAT scores and potential colleges.

Only when Chloe nudged his shoulder and pointed at me did he lazily look up.

His eyes were full of boredom and annoyance.

"Luna."

"You need something?"

I took a deep breath, remembering why I came.

"Holden."

"Applications are due tomorrow... Your mom asked me to check with you."

"Which university are you aiming for? We could apply to the same one, look out for each other."

Silence hung in the air for a second.

Holden turned his face away. "Did my mom send you?"

He scoffed.

"You're so obedient."

"But forget it."

"You don't need to ask me. I don't want to go to the same place as you, so apply wherever you want."