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."

insisted, prompting him

he did feel more relaxed, but the thought of leaving

then rummaged through her room and came out with a blanket, apologetically saying, "I'm sorry, but

was taken aback, never expecting to stay over. For a

mistook his silence for displeasure, considering it was not hospitable to make a guest sleep on the couch. She quickly added, "Of course, you're welcome to sleep in my room if you're uncomfortable on the couch." It took Soren a moment

him set

as long as Soren, it would do for the night. Before turning off the lights,

her, "Good

unexpectedly made Anna's heart

herself onto her bed, she couldn't believe Soren had wished her good night. Staring at the ceiling, she felt the moment

next morning, Anna woke up with dark circles under her eyes. Soren had already tidied up the

her tired appearance, Soren asked if she had been out on a mission last night. Anna, with a bitter smile, admitted

in the restroom, her phone vibrated unnoticed with calls from Arnold, wondering if something had happened since it was unusual for her to not

at Anna's door, only to realize

offered to answer the door as Anna continued her morning routine. The moment Arnold saw Soren, his expression changed, recognizing him as the

here?" Arnold stepped inside, confronting Soren with a mix of

she walked in on Arnold and Soren,

doing?" Anna's smile