The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"Looks like the gentleman brought his boyfriend again," the waiter remarked with a playful tone.

The word 'boyfriend' made Arnold's heart swell with pride, and he couldn't help but smile warmly at the waiter.

Seeing Arnold in a good mood, Bobby couldn't help but share the joy, "Yeah, he's really taken a liking to your place."

"Thank you for your patronage. To make up for yesterday's oversight, we've reserved a private dining room for you ahead of time.

Would you like to go there now? We've introduced a new menu and would love for you to be the first to try and give us your

feedback. Are you in the mood for it today?" the waiter offered enthusiastically.

Unable to resist the kind gesture, Arnold accepted the offer.

As they made their way to their private dining room, another door opened nearby. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your reserved

dining room. The menu's on the table, and we'lle to take your order in five minutes. If you need anything, just press the call

button on your table," the waiter briefly explained to Soren and then tactfully exited the room.

Bobby, after instructing the waiter about their dietary preferences, raised an eyebrow at the closed door. "Two days in a row, what

are the odds?"

The restaurant was known for its privacy-centric service for couples, something Soren particularly appreciated, which is why he

chose it again.

Anna was surprised by the service concept. "Is it always like this here?"

"Yes, their approach has garnered lots of positive reviews. It's especially considerate for more introverted guests," Soren explained,

handing Anna the menu. "Why don't you take a look and see if there's anything else you'd like to add?"

Anna noticed that Soren had already selected all her favorites. She was touched by his attentiveness but puzzled about when he

had learned about her preferences.

Noticing Anna's stunned expression, Soren was confused. "Is there something on the menu you don't like?"

Shaking her head, Anna asked, "When did you find out | liked these things?"

Soren chuckled sheepishly, "I asked the staff when we arrived. Turns out, our tastes are quite similar."

Anna was surprised by how quickly Soren had managed to get the inside scoop, but then it dawned on her. Soren, with his straight-

laced demeanor, was exactly the type of person elders liked.

"Do youe here often?" Anna had been wanting to ask that question, considering it was a couples’ restaurant, and Soren didn't

seem to have a significant other. How could he be so familiar with this place?

Soren found himself at a loss for words, trying to explain his familiarity with the restaurant. In reality, he had spent the previous

night scouring the web for reviews and insights about the place.

"I just looked up sguides," Soren glanced at Anna. "Actually, | saw your brother here yesterday."

"I just randomly chose this place for dinner, and when | walked in, | realized it was a couples’ restaurant. | was about to leave when

| saw them,pletely engrossed in each other," Soren shared, feeling more awkward than anything else.

Anna, instead of laughing, simply nodded in understanding.

As they were served their meal, Arnold happened to pass by their room and peeked inside, recognizing the familiar faces before

the door closed.

Arnold scoffed at the nof the dining room, "Long-lasting love, huh? You're something else, kid!"

However, he decided not to intrude and returned to his own dining room.

Upon reentering, Bobby immediately sensed Arnold's changed mood. "Who did you run into outside?"

"You're spot-on as always. Saw Soren andpany," Arnold replied, his initial excitement gone.

Bobby's accurate guess made Arnold suddenly furious. "Did you know about this all along?!"

Bobby didn't deny it, further infuriating Arnold. "All men are the same!"

Realizing what he just said, Arnold paused, "Except for me! If Anna is my sister, she's yours too. How could you side with that

outsider? And it's not like I'm skind of monster. What could | possibly do to Soren?"

After venting, Bobby handed him a glass of water, "Done? Must be exhausted. Drink swater and relax."

Though still frustrated, Arnold took the glass and drank.

"I didn't tell you because | didn't want you to get upset. This is between them, and when you're with me, | want your undivided

attention," Bobby reasoned, sitting close to Arnold. "Besides, Anna isn't a child. She knows who cares for her and who doesn't,

better than anyone, right?"

Convinced by Bobby's words, Arnold decided not to interfere anymore.

Soren and Anna, oblivious to the outside, enjoyed their meal in the cozy atmosphere, with Soren attentively serving Anna

her favorite dishes.

After dinner, as the lights dimmed and the table was set with champagne roses instead of the unnoticed small flowers, Anna was

thrown off by the sudden change.

"What's with the lights?" she wondered, initially thinking it was a malfunction, only to turn around to Soren standing with a bouquet

of roses.

Startled, Anna asked, "What are you doing?"

Holding the roses, Soren looked at her tenderly, "I hope this isn't too sudden, but | can't wait any longer."

Yesterday's events made it crystal clear tothat if | didn't step up and express my feelings to you soon, someone else might

swoop in and take my place. Rather than let that happen, | decided it was tto lay it all out on the line.

Soren took a step back, dropped to one knee, and held out a bouquet of flowers towards Anna. "Miss Anna, I've fallen for you, head

over heels. You're in every dream of my future, and | hope you'll letbe the one to take care of you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Anna was frozen in place,pletely taken aback by Soren's sudden declaration. She was at a loss for words, unsure of what to do

next.

Soren patiently waited, giving her tto collect her thoughts.

His eyes were earnest, filled with sincerity. Slowly, Anna caround and accepted the flowers, "Yes."

The moment Soren stood up, he carefully contained his overwhelming emotions and asked softly, "May | hug you now?"

Blushing, Anna shyly nodded, and the next second, she found herself enveloped in a warm embrace.

"Looking forward to all the days ahead together," Soren said, his voice filled with hope and promise.

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