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.

he could not help but continue in a gentle voice, "If you don't

I conceded. As much as I did not want him to see

in front of the courtyard. Anne and I got into

with furrowed brows and asked,

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

helped to lighten the mood because

arriving at the restaurant, we headed straight to the private dining room.

he grinned and

soft and restrained voice, he asked, "Are

pursed my

food. While Hendrix was talking with Anne,

while before turning my gaze to Josiah. "Chloe

with a

heard him wrong.

gaze towards me. "There was an embryonic malposition. Even if he was born, he

looked at Josiah