Chapter 3-Consequence of the night

COLE

I stood in front of my dad, hoping whatever punishment he had planned wouldn't be too severe.

“Cole, of all the women in this world, how could you get yourself involved with your brother's ex?” he asked.

I shrugged. “They broke up, so why not?”

“See, this is the problem I have with you.” He paused, staring at me with disappointment. “You take everything as a joke.”

I shoved my hands into my pockets, unimpressed.

“Cole, I believe you know who Elena is. She's the daughter of my longtime friend and business partner, not one of your numerous sluts.”

“I still don't see the difference,” I muttered, loud enough for him to hear.

His expression hardened.

“Do you honestly believe Mr. Hart will sit back and watch his daughter get betrayed by one brother, only to end up in bed with the other?”

For the first time that morning, his words made me pause.

Dad wasn't entirely wrong. I should have stayed away from Elena, especially knowing who she was and what she'd meant to Xander. But the night had already happened, and there was no point pretending otherwise.

“I see you're finally beginning to understand the mess you've created,” Dad remarked.

I smirked, sliding my hands deeper into my pockets.

“So, what do you want me to do? The deed is already done, Dad, and I don't regret it.”

The memory of the previous night flashed through my mind, and despite myself, I found myself thinking about her again.

“Honestly, I'd do it again if I had the chance,” I murmured.

“Cole!”

His sharp voice dragged me out of my thoughts. I glanced at him with a sigh, already growing tired of the conversation.

“Get to the point, Dad. Whatever punishment you have planned, let's hear it.”

He gave me a look of pure disgust before clearing his throat.

“You're getting married to Elena.”

For a moment, I stared at him.

Then I burst out laughing.

I laughed so hard I had to catch my breath, convinced my father had finally developed a sense of humour. But when I looked at him again, his expression hadn't changed.

“Come on, Dad. You can't crack jokes with a straight face like that. You're killing the fun.”

“I'm not joking, Cole.” He leaned back in his chair. “You're getting married next weekend. To Elena.”

My laughter died.

“But Xander is getting married next weekend!”

“And?” he asked calmly. “Is there a law that says two brothers can't get married on the same day?”

I shot him an incredulous look, but he merely adjusted himself in his chair as though we were discussing an ordinary business arrangement.

“Dad, you can't do this.”

“You've always wanted to prove that you're responsible enough to earn your place in this family business. Consider this your opportunity.”

My jaw tightened.

“I'm not ready for marriage. I know nothing about commitment, let alone building a family.”

“Then you have a few days to start learning.”

“Come on, Dad! You can't turn me into a married man overnight!”

“I can certainly make you take responsibility for your actions.” His fingers tapped against the table. “Unless, of course, you've finally decided you're not man enough to do so.”

I stared at him, my irritation giving way to suspicion.

“This isn't just about what happened between Elena and me, is it?”

He regarded me for a moment before answering.

“Let's just say I have more than one reason for making this decision.”

I let out a disbelieving laugh and shook my head. There was no way my father could be serious about this madness.

“You're out of your mind.”

“Perhaps. But the wedding will take place next weekend.”

“And if I refuse?”

His expression turned cold.

“Then you can forget about the position you've been working so hard to earn. I won't give a place in this company to someone who can't even take responsibility for his own actions.”

That struck a nerve.

I'd spent too long proving that I was capable of more than partying and chasing women to let my father dismiss me as an irresponsible playboy. I wanted my place in the company, and I wasn't about to let him decide I wasn't worthy of it.

Still, marrying Elena was an entirely different matter.

She was the woman my brother had spent five years with, and I had no intention of becoming anyone's devoted husband just because my father had decided to play matchmaker.

“Fine,” I said at last, forcing a smile. “I'll marry her.”

Dad's expression barely changed, but I caught the satisfaction in his eyes.

“However, let's get one thing straight. I'll honour the marriage, but don't expect me to become the devoted husband you've always wanted me to be.”

“We'll discuss that when the time comes.”

“There'll be nothing to discuss.”

I turned and headed for the door, my mind already working through the situation. If my father thought marriage would magically transform me into the perfect son, he was about to be disappointed.

I pulled the door open and came face to face with Xander.

He looked as though he wanted to say something, but whatever words he'd prepared disappeared when he met my glare.

I walked past him without a word.

My father might have secured his wedding date, but he hadn't won the war.

And if he thought marrying Elena Hart would be enough to tame me, he had no idea what he'd just signed himself up for.