Chapter 3

Just as I finished packing, the dorm room door was shoved open.

Chloe and Declan walked in, like two ghosts I couldn't shake.

Seeing the suitcase in my hand, Chloe let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Julian, do you really think you're some secret trust fund baby? Just deciding to study abroad on a whim."

"The tuition for the Royal College of Art isn't something a family of dirt farmers can afford!"

At her words, my gaze sharpened and shot toward her.

Chloe didn't flinch. Instead, she admitted it freely.

"That's right, I just checked your student records. The occupation listed for your parents is 'farmer.'"

"Forget tuition, I bet you can't even afford the plane ticket!"

Declan chimed in, pretending to be concerned.

"Julian, I know not getting the spot at Harvard was a huge blow, but you can't joke about something like studying abroad!"

"Don't worry, if you really can't find a job, I can hire you to work at my studio."

I rolled my eyes at the two smug idiots in front of me.

Chloe was right. My parents were farmers.

But what she didn't know was that our farmland alone was larger than ten college campuses combined.

She also didn't know that my parents were renowned agricultural scientists who specialized in developing new farming technologies.

They had made outstanding contributions to the country's agricultural industry.

Even top government officials treated them with respect.

It’s like they never stopped to think: what truly poor family would send their kid to art school in the first place?

Besides, my acceptance to the Royal College of Art came with a full scholarship. I wouldn't have to pay a dime.

Of course, I wasn't going to tell them any of that.

I just picked up my suitcase and walked out, not even bothering to give them another glance.

After a wonderful dinner at home with my parents, my dad drove me to the airport himself.

Before boarding, I saw several missed calls and unread texts from Chloe.

I used to wait endlessly for her to call or text me, clutching my phone and lying to myself.

Now, seeing notifications from her, I didn't even have the desire to open them.

Without a second of hesitation, I deleted them all.

I also blocked her number and all her social media accounts.

Free from the chains of a worthless relationship, I knew my future would be much brighter.

And it was. Once I started my studies at the Royal College of Art, I finally understood what a true temple of art felt like.

I completely forgot about Chloe and Declan, immersing myself in the world of art with like-minded friends from all over the globe.

In just one month, I had created three new paintings that received high praise.

Two of them were even selected by my professor to be entered into competitions.

As I was lost in my creative work, I received an invitation to my old university's anniversary celebration.

I was shocked to realize how quickly time had passed.

The anniversary celebration was also the opening day of Declan’s solo art exhibition.

I admit, I once fantasized about flying back to see him make a fool of himself.

But after a month of growth and inspiration, that idea just seemed childish.

Why would I waste my precious time on someone so utterly beneath me?

But just then, I saw a promotional image for Declan's exhibition.

It featured a painting of a young woman with her back bare.

My eyes widened in shock, because I painted that.

I couldn't believe Declan would be so shameless as to claim my finished work as his own.

He was even promoting it as the centerpiece of his exhibition.

I didn't have time to think. I requested a leave of absence from my professor and booked a flight home that night.

But I was too late.