Chapter 6
I took Archie to the mall to buy clothes, but he seemed somewhat resistant.
Archie said, “My clothes are still wearable. Isabelle, don’t spend your money.”
His attitude was completely sincere, totally different from Finley’s fake reluctance when he actually wanted something deep down.
Archie genuinely felt that those basic pieces in his closet were sufficient.
Seeing him like this, I changed my approach.
I asked, “Don’t you have a game in a couple of days? Aren’t you going to buy new sneakers?”
Archie instantly became excited, like a puppy being petted just right.
He asked, “You actually remembered my game?”
I smiled and said, “I’ll have time to come watch.”
This time, Archie didn’t refuse again and picked out a pair of classic AJ sneakers.
After paying, he asked me cautiously, “Can I post the shoes you
got me on Facebook?”
I was somewhat surprised, not expecting his beat-up phone to be so functional that it could even post on Facebook.
Thinking about how Finley used to secretly show off the gifts I gave him, I realized it was normal for guys this age to like showing off.
“Of course you can.” I readily agreed.
However, Archie’s way of showing off was quite unique.
He actually posted four consecutive Facebook posts about one pair of sneakers.
[These are the shoes my girlfriend got me – front view]
[These are the shoes my girlfriend got me – back view]
[These are the shoes my girlfriend got me – left side]
[These are the shoes my girlfriend got me – right side]
His friends all commented asking if his phone had been hacked.
On game day, Archie’s performance was nothing short of perfect.
He worked seamlessly with his teammates, and their team won the championship without question.
Archie was also named MVP.
After the awards ceremony, Archie held his trophy and told everyone he met, “You know what? It was the sneakers my girlfriend got me that helped me win this award.”
His teammates couldn’t stand his bragging and shooed him away like swatting flies.
One guy said, “Alright, we know you have a great girlfriend. Now get out of here.”
I was laughing so hard in the stands.
I found Archie increasingly charming.
I told Bonnie about this.
She said in amazement, “He’s young, smart, handsome, and he’s that type who looks cold on the outside but is actually warm inside.
“Isabelle, you’re going to fall hard this time.”
I remained silent.
Although I liked younger guys, the inheritance disputes and family conflicts had taught me that emotions were the most fragile bond for maintaining relationships.
I wouldn’t allow myself to get lost in any relationship.
So even after Finley’s betrayal, I was able to let go quickly.
But Archie’s goodness seemed tailor-made for me.
He perfectly matched every one of my preferences.
However, people who study finance are best at weighing pros
and cons.
If Archic later became like Finley, could I handle it?
Bonnie patted my shoulder and comforted me, “Finley’s situation was just an accident. Isabelle, you’re so beautiful, you won’t suffer for love.”
She glanced at the clock behind me and let out a shriek.
Bonnie said, “It’s already six PM and I haven’t finished my work.
“Aren’t you supposed to have dinner with your boyfriend? Could you help me tell those interns outside to clock out?”
Although Bonnie’s design studio wasn’t large, it was very refined.
Several new interns had gotten close to me in less than two days.
They linked arms with me as we walked out, while Archie was waiting downstairs in my well-maintained car.
Those girls gasped in amazement.
One of them said, “Isabelle, is that your boyfriend?”
I smiled and nodded.
They let out sounds of admiration.
One girl said, “Of course, only a beauty like Isabelle could be with the most handsome guy at our school.”
Another girl suddenly remembered something and said, “I remember many girls confessed to Archie, and he always said ‘I already have someone I like.’ Turns out that wasn’t just an
excuse.
“And the person he likes has been right beside me. Wow! I’m so envious of you two.”
The girls left with giggles.
I walked up to Archie and asked directly, “Did you used to have a crush on me?”
Archie’s ears instantly turned red: “How did you know?”
