Nichs had been trained in the art of business and social skills from a young


    age, and he could instantly tell that Scarlette viewed those guys as nothing more than long-term meal tickets. He always knew that beneath her proud exterior was someone who wasn''t quite as perfect as she seemed.


    Take her way with rtionships, for example. She had this knack for making people fall for her with ease, yet they still thought she was aloof and innocent. Once he saw through her fa?ade, he was furious. He pulled Scarlette aside, scolding her for getting too close to her male ssmates and neglecting him, her brother.


    How had Scarlette responded back then? Nichs found it surprising how vividly he remembered everything about her. She had been wearing her bright, youthful school uniform, and she crouched down to ruffle his hair yfully.


    "Brothers are different from everyone else, of course. What brings you here to school, Nick?"


    Young Nichs had a serious look on his face. He had been doted on since he was a kid, especially by her, and he was used to speaking his mind. "I missed you, so I came to find you. Mom and Dad aren''t home, and neither are you. I miss you a lot. Can I stay at the dorm with you?"


    Scarlette was in high school then, while Nichs was still just a kid in elementary school. She found his request amusing and genuinelyughed. Yet, even then, she never mentioned that she didn''t have a dime to her name.


    She never asked the Greenard family for money; whatever their parents gave her, she spent it all on Nichs. He used to think she genuinely cared for him. Later, he came to realize that maybe she was just trying to show loyalty to the Greenard family.


    The sunlight was beautiful that day, and her smile was something he would remember forever. She looked amazing in her uniform. Unfortunately, they weren''t at the same school, nor did they oftene home, so he rarely saw her. For the first time, jealousy crept in, wishing he could see her every day like the others.


    He never understood why Scarlette didn''t attend the private school with him and why she chose a public school instead. Later, he found out that the private school didn''t have a boarding option; students were chauffeured daily and didn''t stick to rigid textbooks.


    From day one at the public school, Scarlette applied to stay on campus. The Greenard parents agreed, even though she was only fifteen. Nichs cried at home, feeling abandoned. Even then, he wished time would speed up, just so he could catch up to her.


    The time he spent secretly in love with Scarlette was both sweet and painful. When he realized his feelings, fear crept in because he knew Scarlette only saw him as a brother. Later, she excelled in her studies and went to college, surrounded by male ssmates. What annoyed him even more was that her admirers would buy him snacks to win her over.


    Nichs couldn''t stand it. Whenever he visited Scarlette at school, he made sure the driver took the family''s most expensive car. The moment the multi-million- dor car appeared, those guys quickly backed off. Scarlette scolded him for it, but he was secretly thrilled.


    His history with Scarlette felt impossibly long. From his birth until now, twenty- three yearster, she was a part of his life. Everything about her had be a habit for him, yet she didn''t love him back. It drove him crazy with frustration.


    Nichs kissed her deeply, almost leaving her breathless. Scarlette remained indifferent, her attitude both defeating and infuriating. He gripped her chin, his voice brimming with anger, "You''ve always been a pro at ying people, haven''t you? In high school, you turned those guys into meal tickets. Why can''t you treat me the same..."


    Even if she toyed with him, he would find happiness in it. But Scarlette just couldn''t bring herself to y with him.