My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)

She nodded and did not probe any further. I let her play by herself in the courtyard.

Initially, I wanted to give Aaron a call. But after some thinking, I gave up on the thought.

In the evening, Hendrix called. He seemed to have just finished his work. He asked, "Have you eaten?"

If it weren't for Anne, I typically would not prepare dinner. I looked at the food that was still being prepared in the kitchen and replied, "No, I haven't." "Let's eat out tonight. I'll pick both of you up in a bit. It's cold out, so be sure to layer up." He sounded like he was tidying up some documents.

I supposed he was still in the office.

I froze, feeling a little apprehensive as I had not been out for quite some time. "Wouldn't I garner a lot of unwanted attention if I go out now?" I asked. After all, it hadn't been that long since the havoc ended.

"Don't worry. I've booked us a private dining room," he reassured. After a brief pause, he said, "By the way, Josiah has just returned from Hanlusia City. He'd like to see Anne."

I scowled. I did not want Anne to have anything to

do with him.

but continue in a gentle voice, "If you don't like him seeing Anne, the

much as I did not want him to see Anne, he was

later, Hendrix parked his car in front of the courtyard. Anne and I got into the rear seats of

around with furrowed brows and asked,

took off my scarf. Though the air conditioner was turned on, it still felt rather warm

was chatty, which helped to lighten the mood because I did not say much. I

headed straight to the private dining room.

he saw Anne, he grinned and bombarded her with

hand as I sat down. In a soft and restrained voice, he asked, "Are you in

my lips, shook

food. While Hendrix was talking with Anne, Josiah kept looking at

silent for a while before turning my gaze to Josiah. "Chloe

coldly with a

thought I heard him wrong.

me. "There was an embryonic malposition. Even if he

was doing. He looked