**Chapter 23: The Truth is Revealed**  

The cold war that Dwight and Lucas had endured had lasted for quite a while now, but it had culminated in professional disagreements that had become far greater than any other tensions that had existed between the two. Even now, he was more 'emotionally detached' from her than he'd care to be, and neither of them was equipped with the right tools to fix that. Drowning himself in work was futile because the heartache and frustration they both felt were going to constantly linger above their heads. 

One evening, during Ellie's marathon at work, she came across a message sent to her from her best friend Mia. 

**" Hey, I need to talk to you, it's really important. Cafe downstairs right now? "** 

Simply reading that message made Ellie frown; you see, Mia had always been overly casual when it came to talking, so receiving a message like that at any other time would catch her off guard. 

**" Of course, I'll be there in five *****she shouts***"** 

In no time, she arrived at the coffee shop, only to see Mia with a serious expression looking to get to the bottom of something, while Ellie still didn't know what the issue was. 

"*Mia, is everything alright*" Ellie asked as she sat down, a hint of anxiety taking over her stomach. 

"Remember when I said I would update you? Well… I have something to tell you today," said Mia, leaning forward and looking Ellie dead in the eyes. 

"You know that female designer Lucas has been spending so much time with lately?" 

Ellie swayed her head sideways. Her heart sank. "Could this woman have caused my suffering these past weeks?" she wondered. 

"In a way, she's more than just a work-related acquaintance," Mia seemed skeptical as she debated whether to continue. "She is Lucas's cousin." 

Ellie blinked in disbelief. "What?" 

"Yep," said Mia as she nodded. "She's been a lot more than just a cousin who stays distant. The family project keeps her busy with him for extended periods." 

"Then why… how has he not told anyone? I don't understand," Ellie said in disbelief. 

Mia shrugged. "I'm not sure. Perhaps he thought the information unnecessary or didn't care how you would interpret it." 

Ellie, wide-eyed, turned to Mia. "Say that again? Did I hear you correctly?" 

Mia started to feel the same sadness Ellie felt, took a deep breath and finally said, "I think you're right. He needs to be punished as well." 

Mia's expression softened towards Ellie's sharp mind and worry. Ellie's mind raced, asking, "Why does he need punishment?" 

"Needless to say, no one deserves the blame," Mia blurted out. 

That was it. She was done hearing the absurd conversation they were having. Ellie felt a mix of relief and guilt, thinking, "I was right for blaming Lucas all this time." 

Sprinting in the office, trying to catch her breath while doodling, Ellie turned around. She needed to tell Lucas everything before it was too late. "We need punishment isn't what I expect," she exhaustedly went on to say.

Lucas was seated in the office, leaning over his desk. It was apparent he was deep in thought as his expression told it all.

"Mr. Hunter," she spoke with a slight quaver in her voice.

He glanced up and then after a moment replied, "Miss White. What is it?"

Ellie took a deep breath and said, "I need to talk to you."

After observing her, he curtly replied, "Sit down."

"I... I found out something today. About the female designer you've been working with," Ellie uttered as she sat down with her palms on her lap.

Lucas noticed her expression and responded with a slight frown. "What about her?"

Ellie felt the nerves creep in; however, she did manage to say, "She's your cousin, isn't she?"

Clearly taken aback, Lucas stuttered, "How did you find out?"

She proceeded to speak as her head dipped down slightly to conceal her shame. "Mia told me. She thought I should know."

"I didn't think it was important. She has helped me with a family project," Lucas said flatly, leaning into his chair.

With a tightening chest, Ellie replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Hunter. I shouldn't have assumed the worst."

His gaze fell upon her as he responded, "You're not the only one who made assumptions."

Unsure how to process the information, Ellie stated, "What do you mean?"

In a hushed tone, he responded, still leaning slightly forward. "You've avoided me on purpose… Ellie," said Lucas. "I was under the impression it was because you regretted everything that transpired between us."

Ellie could feel her heart racing, but forced herself to stay relaxed. "I didn't regret it, Lucas. I just… didn't know how to cope with it."

"I suppose some things will remain a mystery."

The silence was heavy in the room, but the tension was even thicker.

Lucas got up and walked towards Ellie. "I apologise, Ellie. I haven't been honest with you, and I realise now how my actions have affected you health-wise."

Ellie wanted to collapse in disbelief but controlled herself. "I apologise as well, Lucas. I shouldn't have made assumptions."

He held her hand and his touch sent a shiver through her. "We can't let this hinder our development, Ellie. We have both been through far too much to allow misunderstandings to destroy us."

"My heart is pounding right now, but I agree with everything you said, Lucas. Let's wipe the slate clean."

"That is fine by me, but remember to always take care of yourself."

Ellie shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, sure, Lucas."

He stared into her eyes intensely for a few moments, nodding. Then he left the room, leaving Ellie shocked.

While it was not exactly laudable, it was the closest to any positive remark she had received from him of late.

At this point, that sufficed.

She had lived through the misapprehension.

Now, she was equipped to take on the next set of challenges.