The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1158

In the video, Arnold and his boyfriend were all about feeding each other bites of their meal, a sight so intimate it left no room for doubt about the nature of their relationship.

Could this ever be likened to the camaraderie of, say, Batman and Robin?

Anna felt like her head was spinning. If he insisted on secrecy, couldn't he at least pretend a bit more convincingly?

Soren, relentless, fixed Anna with a stern look. "You'd do best to steer clear of someone who toys with your feelings like that. Someone who swings both ways as he does could be out there deceiving countless women just as naive as you."

Great. There went Anna's peace of mind.

It seemed Soren had entirely the wrong idea, thinking she and Arnold had that sort of relationship?

Taking a deep breath, Anna tried to clarify, "No, Soren, it's not like that. I need to explain..."

But before she could continue, her phone lit up with 'Arnold' on the screen, accompanied by a rainbow and heart emoji.

Soren's mood darkened even further at the sight.

When did Arnold decide to add that touch of vanity to her contact name? Now, her chances of romance were utterly blocked.

Resigned, Anna answered the call, her voice laced with patience, "Arnold."

"Hey, you off work yet? I'm outside waiting for you."

Arnold's voice rang clear through the silent lab, with Soren catching every word.

The audacity of him showing up! Soren clenched his fists.

Anna was at a loss for words on how to explain the situation to Soren, deciding it was best to leave first and figure out the rest later.

The best plan is often to retreat!

With that thought, Anna offered Soren an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Soren, I've got to go."

Soren, sensing something was amiss, worriedly followed her out.

Outside, Arnold was chatting with a man in the passenger seat. "Since you both were free today, I thought it's high time you met Anna. She works in the lab, quite the impressive and independent person."

Arnold's pride in Anna was unmistakable in his tone.

The man nodded, "Can't wait to meet this lady."

As Anna emerged from the lab, Arnold called out, "Anna, over here!" waving her over from the rolled-down car window.

And there, in the passenger seat, was the man from Soren's phone?

Confused, Anna exchanged a polite nod with the man, acknowledging Arnold's commendable choice; the man did indeed have a distinguished air about him.

Used to chivalry, Arnold walked over to open the car door for Anna, "Sorry you have to sit in the back today."

Soren, witnessing this, thought even less of Arnold, "You even brought this guy along?"