Chapter 1

When I went to a party with my girlfriend, Scarlett, I suddenly broke out in a full-body allergic reaction.

Everyone started mocking me:

"Leo, did you use some cheap shaving cream or something? You're so swollen, you look like a pig's head!"

"You're wearing a million-dollar custom suit! If you scratch it up, can you even afford to replace it?"

Scarlett pulled out a pill, smiling at me.

"It's an April Fool's party today, I hope you're not mad about a little joke."

Only later did I realize.

After three years together, I was nothing more than Scarlett's plaything, an object of her cruel jokes.

But Scarlett, I only fooled you once.

How did you end up crying your eyes blind?

0"Here, take this anti-allergy medicine, quickly."

But even after taking the pill, my symptoms didn't ease up at all. I had no choice but to go to a nearby clinic on my own.

As I was heading back to return the suit, I heard a burst of laughter erupt from inside.

"I'm dying! He was so swollen, like a pig's head, and he just took it!"

On the big screen inside, my swollen, allergic face was playing.

Scarlett was right in the center of the crowd, holding a wine glass, a cold smirk playing on her red lips.

Someone next to her was laughing, counting on their fingers:

"How many times have we successfully pranked him now?"

"First time, we tricked him into thinking Scarlett was waiting for him on the mountaintop. He stayed out in the cold wind all night, and the wolf howling we played almost scared him to death. The next day, he had a fever of 104 degrees."

"Second time, we fooled him into thinking Scarlett had a stomach hemorrhage and needed blood. He got 800CCs drawn, and I resold it all for profit."

"Third time, we accused him of stealing Julian's limited-edition fountain pen. Not only was his scholarship revoked, but the way he frantically searched for evidence was absolutely hilarious."

"Add this time, tricking him into wearing a suit dusted with allergens, that makes it ninety-seven, right?"

"Just three more times, and we can wrap things up perfectly. Three years of playing, and we even developed some feelings, it's almost hard to let go. Poor Scarlett had to be his girlfriend for three whole years."

"Whose fault is it that he messed with Julian? If he hadn't submitted his artwork right on the deadline, narrowly beating Julian, Professor Davies would have taken Julian on as his student instead. Scarlett had doted on Julian since they were kids, how could she stand to see him suffer like that? It's April Fool's, so we planned 100 pranks. What a shame, it's only been three years, and it's already coming to an end."

I staggered out of the banquet hall.

Their words were like chains, tightly squeezing my heart, making it almost impossible to breathe.

Five years ago, I fell in love with her at first sight.

I quietly liked her for two years, but I was just a familiar face to her.

Then, three years ago, at Professor Davies' apprentice ceremony, Scarlett confessed to me.

With my heart pounding like a drum, I couldn't refuse her kiss.

But it turned out there was no mutual journey of love. This was all her pre-meditated revenge.

For another person, someone she truly cared about.

My body was still terribly itchy. The doctor had warned me that there might be something wrong with the suit's fabric.

But I just thought I was simply too unlucky for such expensive clothes.

When I got home and took a shower, I found my whole body was scratched raw.

The water stung and itched as it washed over me.

After my shower, Scarlett called.

"Home? I drank too much, not coming back."

I hummed in response. On the other end, someone called out to her:

"Scarlett, Julian's looking for you, hurry up."

The call was abruptly disconnected. I let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Not even a single word of concern.

I opened my contacts and called Professor Davies:

"Professor, I've decided about the overseas study."

"I'm willing to go."

Not long ago, Professor Davies had specially reserved a study abroad spot for me, but I couldn't bear to leave Scarlett, so I kept delaying.

I even thought about giving up the opportunity.

But now, I had to thank this "joke."

It made me see everything clearly.

"Leo, have you thought it through? This study abroad trip will be for three years, and if you perform exceptionally, it might be extended."

"Professor, I've decided."

I said firmly, "I won't regret it."

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