Date One.

At five in the evening, Marissa donned her pitch-black outfit enhancing her long and slightly chubby legs. She applied her makeup choosing a smokey eye for the eyes and red lipstick called baby lolita from the new line of lipsticks she just launched, looking like a beautiful enchantress. Keeping the weight off while being busy handling the business, tantrums of the shareholders and sleep was the hardest chore. Everyone succumbs to the pressure at some point in their life as did she a few years before. Back then she carelessly didn't give any thought about her eating pattern and diet resulting in her getting fat. Discipline came easy to her. It was the reason why her business was thriving, unlike others. When she put her mind to losing the weight she progressed better than people who aren't dedicated.

Looking in the mirror taking a deep breath she said: I am ready. Good luck, Marissa!

Kat didn't tell her who she had to meet just gave her the hint "He'll be carrying a bouquet of lilies. Don't worry if this doesn't go well I have three more suitable matches for you."

At the Restaurant

Marissa reached the told restaurant 15 minutes early. She laughed at herself for being so punctual all the time.

"Hello ma'am, I'm the manager of this remarkable restaurant. If you could follow me I'll take you to your reserved table. Sir asked me to get you."

"Sure, lead on."

After walking a few steps Marissa could see a bouquet of lilies lying on one table. She tried to look at the face of the person but was unable to do so because of the dim lighting.

Showing by his hand the table the manager told her "Ma'am, here's your table. I'll send a waiter shortly. Enjoy! " Marissa nodded.

She stood in front of the table when the man got up from his seat, came around, pulled the chair and settled her properly.

He gave the bouquet to Marissa while introducing himself "Hi, I'm Michael. I run a news business. You must have heard of it. It's called Blossomberg."

OMG! This is like a dream come true. Marissa was having a jittery feeling in her stomach just like us when we look at our crush. This man was one of the biggest businessmen in all of Asia. He was not only popular for being great at business but also because of his charisma. Blossomberg was a news company. When everything was being censored by the government recently Blossomberg fought back valiantly. Thinking hard she remembered he already had a girlfriend. She was nervous as she had never been on a blind date before. She mustered courage and said, "I've heard rumors about you having a girlfriend."

Michael had a huge grin on his face. He was having a good time seeing her fidgeting on the chair. He cleared his throat and said "I've also heard about you dating a cricketer. Is it true?"

Marissa thought how about how he just answered the question with a question. Having a strong personality she couldn't take a step back and said "Mr. Michael must know how it is in the media. They are just rumors. I wouldn't be sitting here otherwise, would I?"

Michael responded to her speaking in a mild but authoritative voice"Then you should know better and not believe in the rumors you heard too."

"I was just asking. I didn't want to become a third wheel.humph."

"I also was just answering. Why get moody?"

"..."

"Mr. Michael you have a certain reputation of being a playboy. Now you're suddenly here on a blind date. You don't lack girls, then why?"

"I want to get married soon and have a beautiful child. Is there something wrong with me wanting it?"

"Sure. Your reason seems legit. But how would I know if you'll follow monogamy."

Michael said two words which made Marissa startled "Try me."

Continuing his words "Even when I was dating girls, I would never date two girls at the same time. I am pure and pious you know."

"Makes me wonder if you are an ascetic monk huh"

"You sure know how to throw a tantrum" Mr. Michael reached for her and planted a kiss. He felt her hands were so soft as if they were jelly. Even though Marissa lost a lot of weight her skin still had the elasticity."Don't judge me so quickly. All the news you know about me is just an occupational hazard." Keeping her hand back on the table "If you promise to be unbiased towards me. I can guarantee you'll start liking me in no time. But give me time, eh? Go on a few dates with me ?"