Chapter 4The Boy Who Chose Wrong

Archer Sterling was Holden’s cousin.

Holden’s grandfather had two sons. Archer’s father and Holden’s father.

Rumor had it the brothers were only harmonious on the surface, fighting a secret war for the family business.

Archer and Holden were constantly compared.

I had never met Archer.

But I heard the stories.

Elders described him as brilliant, mature, decisive, and cold. A natural-born CEO, even at eighteen.

Holden’s grandfather clearly favored Archer. At family dinners, he’d bluntly compare them.

"Archer is already analyzing financial reports, and you're still playing basketball and video games!"

Over time, Holden grew to resent his cousin.

That summer, he tugged at my backpack, pleading.

"If I follow Archer, they'll just compare us again. Besides, Archer is awful. He's strict, cold, and heartless. Let's stay away from him, okay?"

"He's in the south, so we go north."

What did I say back then?

I laughed.

"Is he really that scary?"

"Fine, fine. We won't go."

"But north or south, you have to study hard."

But now...

The boy who promised to go to college with me had let go of my hand.

Since he made his choice, whatever I put on my application wouldn't break our promise.

South U?

Sounds good.

Based on my grades, I had a good shot.

I nodded.

"Don't worry, Holden."

"I'll fill out my application alone tomorrow. I won't bother you again."

"And I'll make sure to avoid the place you want to go."

Everyone was surprised by my decisiveness.

The room went quiet.

Holden looked up sharply.

He stared at me, unblinking.

His gaze was stunned, mixed with a trace of resentment.

"Is that so?"

"Fine. Remember what you said, Luna."

"Don't regret it."