Gu Sean — POV
Gu Sean remained where he was, eyes fixed on Nicole's retreating figure as she stepped out into the afternoon air. She didn't walk straight—she never did when her mind was racing. Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag as she paused at the bus stop, staring at nothing, lost in thought.
Just like she had been that day.
The memory tightened his chest.
A sleek black truck pulled up quietly to the curb behind him.
Gu Sean stepped out of the café, his expression calm on the surface—but beneath it, his thoughts churned violently. The door to the back seat opened.
Isaac stood there, tall and slender in a tailored black two-piece suit. His wavy brown hair fell effortlessly, a single curl brushing his forehead, sharp green eyes taking in Gu Sean's rigid posture.
Isaac gave a knowing smile.
"Didn't go well, huh?"
Gu Sean slid into the back seat with a low sigh, rubbing his temple as he leaned back. Isaac shut the door and quickly moved to the driver's seat, starting the engine.
As they pulled away, Isaac studied him through the rearview mirror. For anyone else, Gu Sean's face would have looked composed. Isaac knew better.
"Whatever happened at the café can be fixed," Isaac said carefully. "You've been after her for two years."
Gu Sean didn't respond.
"If she hadn't left for the U.S., you two would already be together," Isaac continued. "Did you tell her?"
Gu Sean's jaw tightened.
"Did you tell her you were the one who rescued her?" Isaac pressed.
"That you pulled her out of the water? That you made sure no one ever bullied her again?"
Silence filled the car.
The truck wound up the familiar hillside road toward Gu Sean's estate. He leaned his forehead lightly against the cool glass of the window, voice finally breaking its restraint.
"I came on too strong," he admitted quietly.
"I asked her for a contract marriage. Told her it was business."
He let out a humorless breath.
"She looked at me like I was insane."
Isaac said nothing, letting him continue.
"I tried to keep it professional," Gu Sean said, staring down at his hands. "I talked about her background. Her career. Her qualifications."
His fingers curled slowly.
"But I couldn't tell her the truth."
His voice dropped.
"That I've loved her since the day I saved her."
The gates to the estate opened smoothly as the truck approached.
"She doesn't remember me," he continued bitterly.
"She doesn't know I'm the one who dragged her out of the ocean that night. She doesn't know I was the one who made sure her classmates backed off afterward. That I watched her from a distance, making sure she was safe."
His eyes darkened.
"This morning was fate."
"And I won't let her walk away again."
Isaac met his gaze in the mirror, seeing the unmistakable resolve burning there.
"But how will you get her to hear you out," Isaac asked carefully, "if you've already made her uncomfortable?"
The truck rolled into the driveway and came to a stop.
Gu Sean straightened, his voice calm—controlled.
"She agreed to lunch tomorrow."
Isaac turned fully in his seat.
"You already got that far?"
"I need you to draft the marriage contract," Gu Sean said coolly.
Isaac hesitated.
"Will you tell her the truth?"
Gu Sean said nothing.
"That you need a wife to inherit the company?" Isaac continued.
"That no one knows you're the chairman's only grandson?"
Isaac stepped out to open the door for him.
Gu Sean exited the car, posture flawless, eyes sharp with determination.
"You'll have to win her over," Isaac said seriously. "For the sake of the company."
He paused.
"It'd be even better if it turns into real love."
Gu Sean didn't answer.
Inside, as he slipped off his shoes and sank onto the couch, his thoughts spiraled.
No one understands.
I worked my way up from nothing. I earned this position.
The only thing standing in my way is a wife.
His jaw tightened.
And she's the only woman I want beside me.
His gaze drifted to the ceiling.
I need to choose my words carefully tomorrow.
I can't lose her again.
Not after everything.