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!

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

department, Dr. Pendleton eagerly approached, "How

"Maybe?" Faye was uncertain.

an opportunity, eagerly asked, "What

it was a thank you for helping

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

that going on. If you keep joking about it,

considered consulting Vivienne, but they were on vacation, and it felt wrong

Logan soon fell

department head handed her several files, pointing out issues one by one. "What's the problem?" Faye asked, setting aside

ahead with this, it

to resolve. I have to attend a lecture now, so I'm leaving this in your hands." With the department head rushing off, Faye was left with no

office, the quietness struck her. The door

desk, the breakfast she had brought

from hunger?" she thought, pushing

shallow breathing; he was

spilled over him, softening

face, her warm

by the sudden eye contact and

softened, and he lifted his head, "What's

Faye's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She was supposed to ask about the surgery report, not get caught up in

explain herself, Logan noticed the document in her hand, "Is

Faye replied, trying to steer the conversation back to professional matters and away from their awkward moment. Logan gave her a meaningful