The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1163

Arnold had just finished his cheeseburger and was about to leave with Bobby when the door of the adjacent booth swung open.

A cascade of vibrant roses burst into view, and a moment later, Anna emerged, followed by Soren clutching the very thing they had brought with them.

Arnold's jaw dropped. Were they a thing now?!

Anna hadn't expected to bump into Arnold and Bobby here. The encounter was inevitably a bit awkward.

Arnold, who had just managed to suppress his anger, felt it boiling up again. He sarcastically remarked at Soren, "Wow, Soren, quite the move, eh? Couldn't catch a cheater here yesterday, so you brought Anna over for dinner today?"

Soren turned to Anna with a smile, lifting their intertwined hands for the others to see, "Yeah, just taking my girlfriend out for a meal."

Bobby had anticipated this outcome, and though Arnold had braced himself for the worst upon seeing the roses, hearing it from Soren was unbearable.

Just as Arnold was about to hurl another sarcastic comment, he noticed how intently Anna was staring at their joined hands and changed his tune.

"If you dare make Anna sad, you'll have me to deal with!" Arnold raised his fist.

Bobby gave Soren a polite smile from behind Arnold.

"I won't let Anna down," Soren confidently assured, warming Anna's heart.

Arnold had no interest in watching their PDA – or rather, Soren's solo display of affection. He dragged Bobby away.

Soren walked Anna to her apartment complex, even taking a leisurely stroll along the street before reaching her place.

"Thanks for walking me home. You should get some rest," Anna waved goodbye to Soren.

"Will do. You too," Soren watched her until she disappeared upstairs.

It was odd. Neither had been the awkward type before, but love seemed to change them, making them linger on a walk that could be a short drive.

Does falling in love truly make one pretentious?

Anna pondered this change as she leaned against the door, not entirely understanding it but thoroughly enjoying it.

In just a few days, thanks to Soren's flamboyant gestures, their relationship was common knowledge.

Anna sighed as Soren showed up at the lab again – his fifth visit of the day.

Brody was fed up with Soren's constant appearances, this time with a lunchbox in hand.

"How many more times are you going to show up? She's managed fine on her own before, what's the rush?" Brody's annoyance was palpable.

Soren, acting as if Brody hadn't spoken, continued talking to Anna.

Seeing him ignore his rant, Brody slammed his stuff on the lab bench, "I'm done! Sick of you lovebirds! You're holding up my work!"

Anna tried to reassure Soren, "I can take care of myself."

But Soren wouldn't hear of it, leaving Anna no choice but to let him fuss over her.

"Soren's really changed since he started dating," Percival remarked as he chopped a pear into small pieces for Vivienne. "According to the team, he's been seen smiling more often, even making training sessions feel lighter."

Vivienne smiled at Percival's observation, "That's good to hear. At least they're keeping things in perspective, balancing their relationship and careers. A win-win."