**Chapter 13: The Farce of the Blind Date**  

Ellie's life had turned into one filled with work, stress, and a lot of unsaid feelings. She was definitely growing closer to Lucas but the family pressure on him and other factors were a bit too much for both of them. One Monday morning, as Ellie was trying to schedule Lucas's calendar, Clara came to her desk with her usual frightening look. "Miss White," she addressed me while speaking through a stern expression that was all too familiar to me. "Mr. Hunter would like to have a word with you." Ellie's heart skipped a beat, but she gave a slight nod and, following Clara, she went towards Lucas's office. Lucas was already seated at his desk when Ellie walked into his office. His expression did not change at all. "Miss White," he said, his voice markedly monotonous and unconcerned. "You may sit." Ellie sat down with both hands in tightly-knit palms resting on her knees. Lucas remained in his position for a moment, observing her, and recrossed his legs saying, "A blind date has been arranged for me." Ellie felt a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach but forced herself to remain composed. "I see." "But they want to push me into a relationship with the daughter of a business partner," he replied in a frosty voice. "It is to enhance the company's political capital." 

Ellie nodded her head but her imagination was somewhat frantic. 

"What is it that you wish to accomplish?" 

He leaned forward. His gaze was fixed on hers. "I am going to accept the date." 

Ellie's heart shattered. Unfortunately, she had to take control of herself. "It is alright, Mr. Hunter. If you think it is appropriate..." 

He interjected, "But it is nothing more than a joke. I do not wish to court her. I simply have to clear my family out for the time being." 

Ellie blinked, her response ready, but unsure. "What exactly do you want from me?" 

He was appreciating Ellie and devoid of his emotion. "I need you to pretend like everything is normal. My goal is to make sure that anybody who happens to find out thinks that I am genuinely trying to find a partner." 

Ellie nodded, a yet thoughtful look on her face. "I understand perfectly Mr. Hunter. Rest assured, I will do everything possible to ensure your success." 

With a quick nod, he granted her permission and then with a wave of his hand, dismissed her. 

The moment Ellie exited his office, she could feel the highs of frustration and anger. 

Having worked so hard, Ellie now had to sit patiently while Lucas went on a blind date. 

Pretending that nothing was wrong was a lot for her to deal with. She would not let it break her. 

That would make her stronger than she once was. 

The rest of the day was a blur of work and anxiety, yet Ellie made an effort to remain steadfast. 

She had no control over Lucas's family's perception of her, but she had control over how she behaved. 

And she was resolute in rising above it. 

As the blind date approached, she grew clampingly tense. 

This was the moment she had prepared for the prior week, but now it felt as though she was about to be dealt a sucker punch to the gut. 

The endless stream of thoughts swirling in her head revolved around Lucas and his date. 

The possibilities of him actually liking her were exhilarating. 

The thought of him pursuing her was terrifying. 

Although it made her stomach churn, Ellie knew she had to remain level-headed. 

Her emotions were not going to win out in this battle. 

Ellie's feelings of overwhelming jealousy towards Lucas were completely disregarded when she saw him walking out of the office. Dressed in a brand new tailored suit, complete with a flower bouquet, jealousy welled up more than Ellie's notion of a farce she told herself this all was. 

Ellie's phone buzzing hours later snapped her out of the weird feelings swirling in her head. 

The text was not from anyone else but from Lucas.

**"The date is a disaster. She is unbearable."** 

The message made Ellie smile. 

Her phone buzzed again. 

**"I'm heading back to the office now, so meet me there, mess."** 

Ellie's pulse raced, but she gathered her things and left for the office. 

The office was full of people when Lucas arrived, his face covered in a dark storm. 

"Miss White," he said as his voice turned colder than ever. "Sit down." 

Ellie clasped her hands in her lap and sat down. 

"I despise the so-called date," Lucas said as he leaned back in his chair and eyed her for a second. 

Ellie nodded but her mind was in overdrive. "What happened?" 

In a cold tone, he replied, "It was everything I loathe in a single person." 

"I'm sorry that it didn't turn out well for you, Mr. Hunter." She wanted to say "that," but controlled herself. 

For a second, he stared at her blankly. "You are different, Miss White." 

"Why?" Ellie gave a meek response. 

"You aren't like her. You are genuine, intelligent and...and refreshing," he said bluntly. 

Even though she was burning with embarrassment, Ellie made sure that she did not let her pride get the better of her. 

"Thank you, Mr. Hunter. I am simply being myself." 

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. 

During one of their chats, Ellie started to feel a sense of calm while with Lucas. 

He was still frightening, but there was a gentleness to him that she had not recognised before. 

Ellie gave herself a little smile when they had finally exited the office and begun heading home. 

She made it through the blind date. 

Now all she needed to do was brace herself for the upcoming obstacles.