Zachary''s words were drawing the attention of the surrounding patrons, whispers spreading like wildfire.


    If I refused now, after his relentless insistence, it would definitely cause more of a scene.


    And some of these people might report my behavior back to my family. Rejecting the Johnson heir wasn''t just a bad idea—it was a dangerous one.


    The more I dragged this out, the worse it would make them look. It was better to get this over with quickly. As soon as ire arrived, I would have the perfect excuse to leave with her then.


    I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to drag my feet toward their table, every step feeling heavier than thest.


    Zachary''s grin widened as I approached, while E''s smile only grew brighter. But Cole . . . his face remained stony, his brows furrowed in a permanent knot of displeasure. He didn''t want me there as much I didn''t want to be there, that much was clear.


    I hesitated as I reached the table, then decided to use that to my advantage. "I think Cole doesn''t want me here, so I''ll just go—"


    Before I could finish, Zachary and E''s smiles faltered as they both nced at Cole, their unspoken question hanging in the air.


    Cole''s expression didn''t soften. If anything, his re intensified, as if my mere presence offended him.


    I clenched my jaw, preparing to turn and leave. I was used to Cole''s rejection by now. If he didn''t want me here, I''d dly go. It was mutual.


    Now we were like two mas repelling each other, and I had no desire to stay where I wasn''t wanted.


    But just as I was about to take my leave, Cole''s voice cut through the tension like a de.


    "SIT."


    It wasn''t a request. It was amand. The single word hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a split second, I couldn''t breathe.


    I stared at him, my mind racing and jaw dropping.


    Did I hear him right? He wanted me to sit?


    "Are you sure?" The words stumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.


    E chuckled softly while Zachary let out a smallugh. But Cole wasn''t amused. He just pointed to the chair with his eyes, a subtle softness I almost didn''t recognize shing across them.


    But the second he looked back at me, his re intensified, colder and sharper than before. I sat beside E and cleared my throat, trying to shake off the tension.


    Yet, for some reason, Cole''s gaze lingered. His brows furrowed so deeply that it was like he was wrestling with unspoken words, struggling to say something. It was as if he had a storm inside him, threatening to burst. When he realized I was staring back, his eyes hardened once again.


    What did I ever do to this man?


    I was already sitting, yet he still red. And when I tried to leave, he kept ring.


    What do you want from me?!


    What have I done to deserve this?


    The silence was thick, and finally, Zachary broke it. "Did you already eat? How about dessert? Don''t worry, I''ll pay for everything. It''s my treat."


    I raised a brow, a mischievous thought dancing in my head, and a sweet smile curled on my lips. "Be careful, Young Master Johnson. You might want to rethink the promisesing out of your mouth."


    Zachary chuckled, clearly entertained. "Young Master? Call me Zach. And I''m serious. Even your lunch date with that guy, I''ll cover it."


    I smiled back at him and called for the waiter. When the waitress approached with a friendly smile, I whispered something in her ear. She looked surprised, just as I expected. The others were watching, curious but trying not to show it.


    As the waitress bowed and left, Zachary leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What did you whisper to her? Why so secretive? Don''t worry, if it''s a mountain of sweets, I won''t judge."


    I grinned at him. "Thank you for the treat, Zachary."


    Sensing I had skillfully changed the subject, Zachary didn''t press further, offering me a smile that could make any woman swoon.


    Maybe in another life, I would''ve been flustered. But right now, I felt numb to all the charming faces around me. I had learned my lesson—trusting a pretty face only led to a broken heart.


    "So, who was that man?" E suddenly asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.


    I turned to her, locking eyes with her vivid emerald gaze that seemed to pull at my soul. I quickly looked away, unsure what she meant.


    "What do you mean?"


    E giggled. "You know, that handsome man talking to you earlier. He looked older though, maybe 24 or 27? I didn''t know you liked older men now," she teased, her eyes flicking knowingly toward Cole.


    "Ah, that." How was I going to exin this? I knew Michael''s name would soon be on everyone''s lips, so there was no point in hiding it. They''d find out sooner orter.


    But before I could open my mouth, Cole''s voice cut through the air like a whip, halting everyone around the table.


    "Who is that man?" His tone was sharp, demanding.


    I was taken aback. Even Zachary and E looked at Cole as though seeing him for the first time.


    My blood boiled.


    You do not get to use that tone with me, not after everything you''ve done.


    "Thest time I checked, I don''t owe you any exnations about the men I meet," I said, my voice steady butced with ice.


    Cole didn''t back down. "In the eyes of many, you''re still my fiancée. Don''t do anything to tarnish my reputation."


    So that''s what this was about. Of course. His precious reputation. That''s all any of them cared about.


    Everyone seemed to expect me to blush or giggle after Cole''s im, as if his sudden acknowledgment of our engagement was something to swoon over. But I felt nothing. The narrative was changing right in front of me, but I couldn''t care less.


    Good. Maybe this means I won''t die abandoned on an ind after all.


    I shed Cole a sickly sweet smile. "Don''t worry. If you like, you can meet up with other women too. Or better yet, why don''t we just break it off? Oh wait," I added, feigning realization. "It''s not official yet, right? What a relief."