Chapter 5 Why Do You Want A Boyfriend So Badly

The next evening, Jackson and I arrived at the dinner table, only to find that Priya, the maid, had already served dinner and was nowhere to be found.

"Where's Priya?" I asked, confused.

"I think she had a family emergency," my father replied, brow furrowed.

I nodded, taking my seat.

The next day at school, my two best friends, Rachel and Emily, noticed something was off. "Cecilia, what's wrong?" Rachel asked, concern etched on her face.

"I just...I need a boyfriend," I said, trying to brush it off.

Emily's eyes widened. "Girl, what's going on? You're not exactly the 'I need a boyfriend' type."

I sighed, explaining the situation with Jackson. They listened, eyes growing wider by the minute.

"So, you want to get a CEO to notice you?" Rachel asked, giggling. "That's like trying to get a unicorn to notice you!"

Emily nodded. "But we have a plan. We'll make you so irresistible, he won't know what hit him!"

Their advice was...unconventional. "Wear more lipstick!" "Bat your eyelashes like crazy!" "Accidentally" bump into him...a lot.

I couldn't help but laugh. Maybe, just maybe, this would work.

As we left school, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe I wouldn't die alone after all.

But little did I know, Jackson had a surprise waiting for me...

As I walked home, I couldn't help but think about Jackson. Maybe my friends' advice would work. Maybe I could get him to notice me.

When I arrived home, I saw Jackson's car parked outside. My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here?

I walked inside to find him sitting in the living room, looking more handsome than ever.

"Cecilia, I wanted to talk to you about yesterday," he said, standing up.

I felt my face heat up. "Oh, yeah?"

"I know I laughed it off, but...I have to admit, I'm intrigued. Why did you ask me to be your boyfriend?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just thought it would be fun, I guess."

Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Fun? You want to date me for fun?"

I nodded, trying to maintain the charade. But Jackson just smiled and said, "I think there's more to it than that, Cecilia."

And with that, he walked closer to me, his eyes locked on mine...

Jackson chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, Cecilia, you're a riot. I thought you were just joking around yesterday."

I felt a pang of disappointment. He didn't take me seriously.

"No, I was serious," I said, trying to convince him. "I want you to be my boyfriend."

But Jackson just laughed again. "Cecilia, you're 18 years old. I'm 25. And I'm a CEO. I don't think it would work out."

I felt a sting from his rejection. "So, you're saying I'm too young for you?"

Jackson's expression softened. "No, Cecilia. I'm just saying...I don't want to take advantage of you. You're going through a tough time, and I don't want to be a distraction."

I sighed, feeling defeated. Maybe I was just a joke to him. Maybe I would never find someone who took me seriously...

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. "Yeah, you're right. I'm just being silly."

But Jackson's expression changed. He looked at me with a curious gaze. "No, Cecilia. You're not being silly. You're just...different. And I like that."

My heart skipped a beat. Did he really just say that?

"But I still can't be your boyfriend," he continued, his voice firm. "I'm too old for you, and I have too much responsibility."

I nodded again, trying to understand. But deep down, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he felt something for me too...

As we stood there, the tension between us grew thicker. I knew I had to break it.

"Okay, Jackson. I understand," I said, turning to leave.

But then I heard his voice behind me. "Cecilia?"

I turned back. "Yeah?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why do you want a boyfriend so badly?"

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Because...I don't know how much time I have left. And I want to experience everything before it's too late."

Jackson's expression softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of understanding in his eyes...