**Chapter 8: The Contract Agreement**

Although the gossip surrounding Ellie and Lucas's relationship was slowly fading away, complications had already surfaced. The media had been so fixated on their "romance" that it had reached a level of speculation that Lucas's family was not at all pleased with. 

Ellie tried her utmost to remain out of the public eye, yet avoiding the whispers and judgemental glares from her colleagues was an impossible feat. Each time she stepped into the office, it felt like she was suffocating. The immense weight of stress kept rising. 

As Clara walked towards Ellie's desk, her expression still sharp as ever, Ellie was busy trying to organise Lucas's schedule. 

"Miss White," she said, her voice sharp. "Mr. Hunter would like to see you in his office." 

Ellie felt her heart pound, but after a brief pause, she nodded and was briskly led by Clara towards Lucas's office. 

Lucas was sitting behind his desk with no expression plastered on his face when she walked in, which caught Ellie off guard. 

"Miss White," he said, his voice cold. "Sit down." 

As Ellie settled into her chair, her palms pressed tightly together, poised and ready to listen. 

He relaxed back into his chair and eyed her over for what seemed like a long time before speaking. "Our gossip revolving around each other has impacted the company and my family's reputation… a lot." 

"Let us make the necessary conclusions regarding what we need to do," Lucas stated and gave his order in a more stern manner. 

"What do you mean, take more drastic measures? Please do elaborate," Ellie responded, attempting to better understand the statement her teacher made. 

"I mean we need to sign a contract." 

Ellie remained seated in confusion, "A contract? What type of contract?" 

"A contract in which it is clearly stated that the terms of our agreement are limited to the professional capacity of our roles. Those who choose to disclose the information shall not be permitted to." 

Lucas's tone softened, but only slightly. "As I have already indicated, I don't believe this should require so much effort." 

"I would," he abruptly interjected, not permitting her to finish. "I need to ask you to stop now. The only thing that matters is that the contract will be presented to you for signing as is. If you do not sign the document, I have nothing further to discuss with you." 

Feeling utterly hopeless after his words, Ellie rubbed her forehead as if in an attempt to physically relieve herself of whatever pain was circulating her brain. "Understood. I will sign the contract." 

Lucas pushed the sheet of papers with recruiting allusions in her direction with a stony look. "No need for lengthy discussions over what is obvious." 

With a quick grab, Ellie raised it close to her, where, for the first time, she was able to catch sight of the text and her heart sank even deeper as she noticed the myriad of grammatical mistakes.

The contract meticulously captured every part of their working relationship and even contained measures for breaches of the contract.

Yet, one clause stood out to her.

**"The parties will, at all times, maintain a strictly professional relationship. Any breach of this clause shall result in instant dismissal followed by further legal proceedings."**

As she read the statement, Ellie's heart began to pound.

While she had no intention of ever wanting to take things further with Lucas, it was insulting to know that he thought it was necessary to put it in writing.

But she was left with no option.

Filling in the signature box of the contract, Ellie's hand trembled as she penned her name.

With her head cast to the floor, she returned the documents to Lucas.

Without once meeting her gaze, he received the contract and then released her from the meeting with a vague gesture.

Fueled with emotion, she left the room. She knew very well how anger and frustration felt, having put in endless effort to prove her worth only to be treated like a liability.

But she was not willing to succumb.

She was stronger than that.

For the remainder of the day, she had to keep everything else from ruining her focus.

She understood that she had no power over what Lucas thought of her, but she could certainly control her responses to him.

And for that reason, she aimed to do better than that.

When Friday afternoon came around, Ellie was tired, yet content.

She had made it through the week, and she was prepared to leave it behind.

However, while she was in the process of packing her belongings, Lucas summoned her to his office yet again.

"Miss White," he said, keeping a neutral tone.

Ellie entered, panic coursing through her. "Yes, Mr. Hunter?"

For a second, he appeared to be deep in thought. "You've dealt with the situation… sufficiently this week," he finally said.

Ellie felt herself blinking in blustered bewilderment. "Thank you, Mr. Hunter."

He just nodded beneath the chin, then with a flick of his fingers let her go.

As she left his office, she felt entitled to permit herself a grin.

That probably did not constitute a compliment, but it was the closest thing to a positive statement she had ever heard from him during the entire week.

And for the moment, it was enough.

She had made it through the contract.

And she was prepared for anything that came next.