Chapter 1

My girlfriend secretly swapped my records with Declan’s, all so her first love could get the guaranteed spot in Harvard’s art program.

When I confronted her, she just scoffed.

"Declan’s been trying for three years. His youth can't be wasted. You're just a bookworm; you might as well go get a dead-end factory job!"

So, I announced on the spot that I was studying abroad. My girlfriend, who had been scolding me for being immature, froze.

"Your family is dirt poor. Where would you get the money to study abroad? Don't be so reckless!"

Her talentless first love, the one I'd been ghost-painting for, looked just as stunned.

"A special delegation from Washington is coming to inspect the gallery soon. Are you really going to give up on the dream you've chased for so many years?"

I’d been Declan’s ghost painter for so long.

I was actually curious to see how they'd pull off this art exhibition without me.

...

The moment I saw Declan's name on the announcement board, my mind went blank.

"Declan's youth can't be wasted? So mine is worthless?"

I roared, my voice filled with rage.

Chloe was startled by my outburst, but her expression quickly soured into an annoyed frown.

"It's written right there in black and white. Don't take your own failures out on other people!"

"You're just a nerd from a poor family. You'd be better off getting a factory job to help support them!"

Seeing his chance, Declan immediately feigned compassion.

"Maybe I should talk to the dean and give the spot to Julian."

Chloe quickly grabbed Declan’s hand, her voice soft and soothing.

"Declan, you're just too kind. This spot was always yours. How could you just give it away!"

Then, she turned back to me, lowering her voice so only I could hear.

"You want to marry me, right? How can you afford a wife with no money? I suggest you stop daydreaming."

"I'm doing this for your own good. It's better to make some real money than to be some broke artist with nothing but feelings."

Seeing the completely different ways she treated me and Declan, the last shred of affection I had for her vanished.

I looked at Chloe with a cold smirk.

"I don't want the spot."

"I'll be accepting the offer to study at the Royal College of Art. You'll never see me again."