The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Logan's office was eerily quiet.

He hadn't slept well last night and was currently squinting his eyes for a quick rest, having skipped breakfast which left his stomach in knots.

So, when he heard footsteps, Logan immediately became alert. The moment the door swung open, he lifted his eyelids to see who it was.

Their eyes met unexpectedly, and both were surprised to see each other so clearly at first glance.

"What brings you here?" Logan was the first to recover, dropping his hand from where it had been resting on his stomach.

Faye noticed his small movement and extended her hand towards him, "Got you this. Passed by the convenience store and figured you skipped breakfast too, so I brought you something." A part of Logan that had been tightly sealed suddenly began to loosen. He stared at Faye, stunned.

So she still cared...

"Consider it a thank you for covering my shift last night. After all, it's only polite to return the favor," Faye said, instantly uprooting the little sapling of hope Logan had just begun to nurture. After all, she was just trying not to owe him anything!

Faye didn't understand why Logan's mood could shift so drastically in such a short time. Was there something wrong with her actions?

Dr. Pendleton: This isn't just a problem; it's a huge issue!

"There was no need to go out of your way. It was nothing," Logan said with a smile.

Though he was smiling, Faye could tell he was suppressing his discomfort.

"No, it's different. I'll leave this here, make sure you eat," Faye said, putting down the item and leaving as quickly as she came, without any intention of further conversation. Logan slumped in his chair, thinking, great, my quest to bridge the gap has led us to become strangers!

desk, lacking the courage to even touch it, feeling as if doing so would somehow make their already strained

soon as Faye returned to her department, Dr. Pendleton eagerly approached, "How did

"Maybe?" Faye was uncertain.

an opportunity, eagerly asked, "What did you say? I

you for helping me out last night, to keep

a second after hearing Faye's response, "Wait, is this how you

"There's nothing like that going on. If you keep joking

sat in his office, unable to articulate his feelings about the breakfast. He considered consulting Vivienne, but they were on vacation, and it felt wrong

these thoughts, Logan soon fell asleep at his

report. Could you check with Logan?" The department head handed her several files, pointing out issues

exceeds the standard If we go ahead with this, it could lead to complications. I don't have time to discuss

the department head effectively blocked her escape, "Aren't you two old school friends? This should be easy for you to resolve. I have to attend a lecture now, so I'm leaving this in your hands." With the department

fifth-floor office, the quietness struck her. The door was ajar, allowing her

over his desk, the breakfast she

from hunger?" she thought, pushing the door

shallow breathing; he was

him, softening his

from his face, her warm fingertips

taken aback by the sudden eye contact and the

Faye, Logan's gaze softened, and

supposed to ask about the surgery report, not get caught up in a moment

the document in

with you on how to amend it," Faye replied, trying to steer the conversation back to professional matters and away from their awkward moment. Logan gave her a meaningful look before inviting her to sit down and review the document