Fake Date, Real Fate-Chapter 48: Stepping Out (and Getting Seen)

Around noon, I tapped on Adrien’s office door and peeked in. "Want me to grab you lunch?"

His eyes never left the screen of his laptop. "I’m not hungry. Go ahead and take your break."

I nodded once. "Alright."

I turned back to my desk and sat down, debating whether I even had the energy to go find something decent at the cafeteria then y phone buzzed.

Levi: Hey, I’m around your office. Want to grab lunch?

I blinked.

Levi: I’m not stalking you. Coincidence. Mostly

A small smile appeared on my face.

You sure you’re not here just to annoy me?

He replied instantly.

Levi: Can’t it be both? (with an angel emoji)

I snorted softly.

Where?

Levi: That little restaurant right across from your building. I’m already inside.

I glanced toward Adrien’s door again. Still closed.

Well, he did tell me to take a break. So, I was just... following orders.

Me: Be there in five. If this is a trap, I’m stealing your fries.

I grabbed my bag and texted Adrien: Stepping out for lunch. Will be back before 1, and headed for the elevator.

****

The place was warm and cozy, with mismatched chairs and black-and-white photos on the walls. Levi was in a booth by the window, sipping a soda and looking way too pleased with himself.

I slid into the seat across from him. "Wow. You’re early."

He grinned. "I like to be prepared when I run into beautiful women on their lunch break."

I snorted. "Is that your line?"

"Only for you." He shrugged, then leaned back, eyeing me.

"shut up."

So, he said, getting a little serious. How’s it going with the lion’s den?

I raised an eyebrow. "The lion’s den?"

"Adrien walton. Cold, aloof, drives everyone crazy with his impossible aura... Yeah, definitely a lion." He chuckled. "Or maybe a particularly grumpy cat. Either way, seems like a challenging environment."

I nodded with a small smile. "He’s... intense. Focused. It’s definitely a learning experience." I paused for a moment. "But I’m learning a lot."

Levi’s expression softened. "I can imagine. You’re smart, resilient. You’ll thrive anywhere. But... are you thriving? Or just surviving?" okay that’s weird..

The question hung in the air, heavier than I expected. I hadn’t really thought of it. Surviving versus thriving... it was a significant difference.

Before I could formulate an answer, the waitress arrived with menus. We ordered, both opting for burgers – a classic lunch staple. As we waited, Levi kept the conversation light, telling me about a disastrous camping trip he’d taken with his friends, complete with a rogue raccoon stealing their marshmallows and a tent that refused to stay upright. I laughed, the sound genuine and refreshing. It was a welcome distraction from the pressures of my job or let’s say jobs.

When the burgers arrived, stacked to the heavens with toppings and a big heap of fries, I started to eat with almost no thought and forgot that I’d had no interest in eating a short time earlier. Levi watched me, his eyes thoughtful.

"So," he said again after I’d taken a few bites. "Seriously. How are you?" He gestured with his fork. "Beyond the ’learning experience’ and ’meeting expectations’ stuff."

I took my time chewing, figuring out what to say. "I’m..." I hesitated. "I’m tired and stressed. I feel like I’m on a tightrope and trying not to screw up. He doesn’t give a lot of feedback, so I never really know if I’m doing a good job."

Levi nodded sympathetically. "Sounds exhausting."

"It is," I admitted.

Then surprisingly, I added, "But I also feel like I’m growing. I’m learning things I never thought I could. And there are times," I glanced up at him, a hint of a smile playing on my lips, "that I sometimes see signs of something... different. Like he is not just a cold, calculating robot all the time."

Levi raised his eyebrows. "Oh? Tell me more."

I shrugged, feeling a little foolish. "Just... occasional signs. Like the other day, he stayed late to help me iron out a problem with a presentation. And he didn’t just tell me what to do, he told me why. Or the time he actually thanked me for taking care of a tricky client."

Levi leaned forward, his expression intrigued. "So, you’re saying the lion has claws, but maybe also a tiny little patch of soft fur too?"

I laughed. "Maybe. Just a tiny one."

"Actually, speaking of your boss..." He tilted the screen toward me. A tabloid headline blared:

"Mysterious Woman Seen on Adrien Walton’s Arm at Charity Auction"

My stomach dipped.

Levi continued, oblivious. "Do you know who she is? The article’s going nuts—no one’s seen him bring a date to anything in, like, ever."

I picked up my drink, hoping he didn’t notice the flush rising to my cheeks. "No idea. Maybe it’s a publicity stunt."

"Maybe," Levi said, still staring at the photo. "But she doesn’t look like a model or anything. Just... normal. Cute, though."

I choked on my iced tea.

He looked up. "You good?"

"Yep. Just—wrong pipe."

I coughed a few more times, trying to get a handle on the heat running to my cheeks.

He smirked. "Hmm. You sure you don’t know her? I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me."

"I’m sure," I said quickly, stabbing a fry with unnecessary force.

Levi stared at me for a moment, like he was trying to read something on my face. Then he let it go and relaxed back into his seat again.

"Well, if you ever meet her, tell her she’s got the internet in a chokehold."

I opened my mouth to say something—anything to distract him from the moment, I don’t know—but my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen.

Adrien Walton: Where are you?

My stomach dropped a little.

"I, uh... should probably head back soon," I said, finishing the last bite of the burger.

Levi smiled but didn’t push. "Then let’s get you back before your boss unleashes the hounds."

I laughed, standing. "Thanks for lunch, Levi."

"Anytime."

We walked out of the restaurant and as the light hit my face, I felt it.That sharp, burning sensation that comes with someone watching me.

And there he was.

Across the street, right in front of Vantage and cole, Adrien Walton stood like a damn statue, arms folded, jaw tight. His eyes burned into us with an intensity so fierce I could practically feel the heat of his stare steaming against my skin.

His eyes were focused on Levi, pinning him in place like a threat under a microscope. That stare could cut glass and I was pretty sure it was currently carving Levi’s entire existence into a list of crimes punishable by death.

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