Chapter 247

Cole stepped closer, and I instinctively took a step back. He smirked. "Be my girlfriend."

I blinked, totally caught off guard. Then I scoffed. "Not the best joke for this early in the morning."

"I'm serious," Cole interrupted. "Only my girlfriend gets to meet my dad."

I froze. He was definitely using this to trap me. My twitching eyelids weren't a fluke; they'd warned me.

"You probably don't know this, but my dad's always been paranoid. He doesn't trust anyone, especially now with his new position," Cole continued, launching into an explanation. "Too many people are trying to get close to him, and none have good intentions. So, to save his energy, he won't meet anyone who isn't family."

But I knew he was making excuses.

Then he added, "And as for me, let's be real. I was into you from the moment I saw you. I know I have a reputation as a player, and yes, I've been with a lot of women, but it was all just for fun. Bringing one of them home? No chance. My dad would never go for it."

He let out a self-deprecating laugh, likely aware of how shameless he sounded.

"But you're different. You're the kind of woman who's got it all together, someone who brings stability and good vibes. That's why I want to take things seriously," Cole said, looking straight at me.

I had to admit, he seemed genuinely sincere. Half an hour ago, some brat asked me out; now, a playboy was doing the same. It's either a total drought or a flood in my love life. But last night, I'd made things official with Hayden, and I couldn't shake the feeling he was attracting this chaos.

"You're sincere, I can tell. And I appreciate the misplaced affection, but I'm sorry—I have a boyfriend," I replied, bluntly.

Cole laughed. "That's a pretty weak excuse. Last time we played snooker, I asked Steve, and he said you were single."

"True. I only started dating someone last night."

Cole gave an amused smile. "What a coincidence."

I offered a tight-lipped smile, remaining silent.

"How about this—you name your conditions, and I'll meet them. What will it take for you to say yes?" he asked again.

Definitely something a rich guy would say.

I stayed quiet, and Cole persisted. "If you agree to be my girlfriend—or better yet, my wife—you'll be the lady of VastReach Group. I'd transfer all my assets to you once we're married. Plus, I—"

"Have you forgotten who my ex-fiancé is?" I cut him off.

He was trying to impress me with his family's fortune, but compared to the Johnston family, it wasn't much.

Cole's smile faltered, then he recovered. "That's actually what I like about you—you're not swayed by money."

"So, find someone else who is. I'm really not the right person for you," I said, keeping my voice sincere.

Cole lowered his gaze, staying quiet for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "You're the first person to ever turn me down."

"It's not that I'm rejecting you. We're just not compatible. You made it clear—you want someone who'll be by your side, helping with your life and business. But I just want a simple relationship and a—" I paused as an image of Yuna's calm, peaceful life flashed in my mind. "I want a life where it's just me and my partner, enjoying the little things. And with your background, that's not something you can give me," I said with a smile.

Sometimes, a smile says more than words. Cole might not be the most tactful person, but he was being genuine, so I had to respond sincerely. And I needed his help, so I couldn't afford to make him angry.

He stayed silent, making me anxious.

I exhaled and decided to be direct. "I've made my stance clear. If I don't become your girlfriend today, can I still walk through that door?"