The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1154

Anna's apartment mirrored her personality-minimalist, even leaning towards masculine in its decor. The color scheme was a simple mix of black, white, and gray, evoking an indescribable feeling in Soren as he surveyed the room. Peeking out from the kitchen, Anna called out to Soren, "I don't have much at home. How about I whip up some hangover soup for you?"

Without hesitation, Soren nodded in agreement.

As Anna busied herself in the kitchen, Soren sat on the couch, silently watching her. He was itching to ask about her relationship with Arnold but couldn't bring himself to do it. What if her answer wasn't what he hoped for? While he was lost in thought, Anna's phone on the coffee table lit up with a message, clearly visible on the screen:

"Mom's asking you over for dinner. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. You must be tired; rest well tonight."

The message made Soren's heart sink. He looked down, his thoughts drifting farther away.

When Anna came out with the hangover soup, she found Soren looking utterly lost. "Soren? Soren? Soren?" she called out, receiving no response until she raised her voice. "Soren!" "What's up?" He finally snapped back to reality, looking at Anna bewilderedly.

"You were miles away. Here, the hangover soup is ready. Drink up," she said, noticing his hesitation.

Soren suddenly didn't feel like drinking it, fearing it meant he would have to leave soon, and he didn't want that.

"Don't like the taste?" Anna asked, seeing him motionless.

Shaking his head, Soren replied, "Still feeling a bit dizzy."

she insisted, prompting him

he did feel more relaxed, but the thought of

a blanket, apologetically saying, "I'm sorry, but the guest room's a mess. You'll have to crash on the

expecting to stay

a guest sleep on the couch. She quickly added, "Of course, you're welcome to sleep in my

him set up the

would do for the night. Before

"Good

made Anna's

bed, she couldn't believe Soren had wished her good night. Staring at

morning, Anna woke up with dark circles under her eyes. Soren had already tidied up the blanket, folding it neatly, just like his personality

had been out on a mission last night. Anna, with a bitter smile, admitted to suffering

busy in the restroom, her phone vibrated unnoticed with calls from Arnold, wondering if something had happened since it was unusual for

was off, Arnold arrived at Anna's door, only to realize he'd forgotten his key and

knock, Soren offered to answer the door as Anna continued her morning routine. The moment Arnold saw

inside, confronting Soren

the situation, she walked in on Arnold and Soren, clearly at odds with each other, setting the stage for an

are you two doing?" Anna's smile