[BONUS Chapter for reaching 200 PS! Thank you all!🤍 ]
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[DANIEL]
Lina Fay.
The name alone carried an importance that was impossible to ignore.
She was the Fay heiress—untouchable, unreachable, and wrapped in an aura of wealth and power that made her the kind of person who could command the world's attention with a mere whisper. Ignoring an invitation from her, Daniel knew, was not just unwise but unthinkable.
Especially since she was a new investor in his mother's business, Daniel felt the responsibility pressing on his shoulders. As much as he despised the idea of blind dates and everything they represented, he didn't have a choice this time. Declining wasn't an option.
What truly puzzled him, however, was Lina Fay's unexpected agreement to this meeting. It didn't add up. She had a reputation for rejecting blind date invitations outright, no matter the status or wealth of her potential suitors. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she hadn't refused this one.
Why him?
Why now?
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The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed. He'd dug into her history, quietly researching her pattern of refusals, trying to make sense of it.
Lina Fay wasn't someone who entertained formalities without purpose. She wasn't the type to humor societal niceties or bend to pressure, so why had she agreed to meet him—a stranger with no notable connections to her world?
Despite the mystery surrounding her intentions, Daniel dismissed the thoughts with a sigh. At the end of the day, this blind date was just a formality. It didn't mean anything, and it wouldn't lead to anything.
Like all the others he'd been forced into over the years, it would likely end the same way: a polite conversation, awkward silences, and a silent agreement to never meet and mention it again.
Daniel stepped in his walk-in-closet, the carpet warm beneath his feet as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked the same as he always had—messy hair, tired eyes, and a crooked tie he hadn't bothered to fix.
Daniel inhaled deeply, and went to his car to meet Lina Fay.
===🤍===
[LINA]
I sat in a Michelin-starred restaurant on the top floor of an expensive hotel, waiting for Daniel to arrive.
The city skyline stretched out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, glittering like a constellation against the deepening night.
Dylan sat discreetly behind me, ever watchful, while I absently scrolled through my phone, attempting to distract myself.
I had chosen a simple white lace dress, paired with pearl earrings and a delicate ponytail that gave off a soft elegance. But even in this understated look, I could feel the weight of the gazes from the other tables. Some were curious, others calculating. Many of them were business acquaintances—or hopefuls seeking to gain favor with my family.
The Fay name was both a blessing and a curse. While it opened doors, it also painted a target on my back. Everyone knew that I was the most approachable member of the family. If anyone wanted a slice of the Fay fortune, I was the easiest route.
I sipped my wine and kept my demeanor composed, offering polite smiles and the occasional nod to those who tried to catch my attention.
On the surface, I was the perfect embodiment of a poised heiress, but inside, I resented the endless charade. This restaurant was supposed to be a neutral space for a blind date, but I couldn't escape the ever-present reality of my responsibilities.
In hindsight, I should have insisted on a private room.
Finally, Daniel arrived. I looked up as he approached, his stride purposeful yet reserved. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored business suit, his tie neatly knotted. His dark hair was carefully styled, and his eyes—framed by understated glasses—were strikingly intense. He exuded a quiet charm that was both disarming and enigmatic.
I studied him for a moment, noting his lean build and the subtle grace in his movements. He was undeniably handsome, the type of man who could easily turn heads without even trying. His silence didn't come across as cold but rather thoughtful, as though he carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words.
"Lina Fay?" he asked, stopping in front of me and extending a hand. His voice was soft, calm, and steady, yet it carried a warmth that was immediately disarming.
I smiled and took his hand, noting how firm but gentle his grip was. "Lina Fay. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
He returned a small, polite smile and sat across from me. "I'm sorry I'm late. Did you wait long?"
I shook my head lightly. "You're not late. I'm just early."
"Did you already order?" he asked, glancing at the menu.
I nodded apologetically. "I did. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I didn't want to order for you."
"That's fine," he replied, quickly scanning the menu before placing his order.
Silence settled between us after that. Not the comfortable kind, but the kind that hovered awkwardly, as though neither of us knew where to start.
I could sense his discomfort—his body language was composed, but his eyes gave him away. He wasn't used to this, and it was clear that he hadn't come here by choice.
For the first time in my life, I felt the strange pang of being dismissed. Not intentionally, of course. I knew why he wasn't interested—it wasn't about me. His heart belonged elsewhere, to someone who likely didn't even realize the extent of his devotion.
"If I'm being honest," Daniel suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. His expression grew serious, almost apologetic. "I'm not good at this. I don't know what to say or do in these kinds of situations."
I chuckled softly, feeling a pang of guilt. He was so refreshingly honest, and it made me regret that I had stood between him and Eve. In my defense, I still think it was for the best.
"It's okay," I said, smiling to put him at ease. "How about we just start by getting to know each other?"