CHAPTER 137: TELL ME DANIEL, ARE YOU THAT DESPERATE

Anna stirred in her sleep, a soft sigh escaping her lips as the first touch of sunlight brushed against her face. She blinked awake, only to realize she wasn’t alone. Daniel lay beside her, his arm still draped protectively around her waist.

For a moment, she didn’t move—just stared at him. His face looked calmer in sleep, the faintest crease between his brows the only trace of tension. Her thoughts drifted back to last night’s conversation, and her chest tightened.

How could he notice my scar so easily? she wondered bitterly. It wasn’t small or hidden, but still—his observation had cut too close. But even if he noticed, he still can’t possibly know how I got it, she told herself, trying to steady her breath.

Just as she was about to shift away, something unusual caught her attention.

Daniel’s brows furrowed deeper, and a sheen of sweat began to form along his forehead. His chest rose and fell rapidly, each breath coming out heavier than the last. His lips trembled, murmuring something she couldn’t quite hear.

Anna froze. He was having a nightmare.

She had seen him sleep before—many times, in fact—but never like this.

Should I wake him? she wondered, torn. But before she could decide, his arm tightened around her, pulling her closer as he let out a choked sound.

"Anna... why didn’t you tell me?" he mumbled, his voice cracking.

Anna’s heart stopped. Wait... what?

Her eyes widened as she tried to process it. Don’t tell me he’s dreaming about what we talked about last night.

Before she could move, Daniel’s body tensed. His breathing turned ragged, his fists clenched, and then—his eyes snapped open.

"Daniel?" she whispered.

He didn’t respond. For a few seconds, he just stared at her, pupils dilated, chest heaving as if he’d just escaped something dreadful. Then, without warning, he pulled her into his arms.

"You’re fine," he breathed out shakily. "Nothing happened to you, right?"

Anna blinked, stunned. Isn’t that what I should be asking you? she thought, watching him with a mixture of confusion and concern.

Daniel buried his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her familiar scent as if grounding himself in reality. Slowly, his trembling eased, his breathing steadied. The warmth of her skin, her quiet presence—it all began to calm him.

But even as his mind cleared, one thought refused to leave.

’Why did that dream feel so real?’

’But Anna’s here... she’s fine,’ he told himself, tightening his hold for a moment longer. The mere thought of losing her again made his stomach twist.

"Are you okay?" Anna’s voice was soft but laced with suspicion.

Daniel lifted his head slightly, meeting her eyes. Her expression was unreadable—part concern, part irritation. The way he clung to her, seeking comfort, had clearly startled her.

’Still trying to take advantage,’ she thought bitterly.

Daniel exhaled and reluctantly pulled back, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I’m okay now."

But the moment his gaze met hers again, something flickered in her eyes—a guarded look, sharp and questioning.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, brow arched.

Anna crossed her arms, her tone dry. "Because you’re acting strange. Tell me, Daniel—are you that desperate? Dreaming about our conversation from last night? And crying about it, too?"

"..."

For a moment, Daniel just stared at her, speechless. Then the corner of his mouth twitched. She actually thinks I was crying because she refused to tell me about her surgery?

A soft chuckle escaped before he could stop it.

Anna’s eyes narrowed instantly. "What’s so funny?"

He leaned closer, amusement glinting in his eyes. "You," he said simply, voice low and teasing.

Before she could retort, he brushed a gentle kiss across her lips. It was quick, almost innocent, but enough to silence her.

"You’re so cute when you’re mad," he murmured with a smile, watching as she blinked, wide-eyed and frozen.

Anna’s breath caught.

For a man who could be infuriatingly reserved, Daniel seemed way too comfortable kissing her out of nowhere.

Her lips still tingled where his had touched, her thoughts scattering in a thousand directions.

He’s getting too comfortable, she thought, glaring at him even as her heart gave a treacherous flutter.

Daniel chuckled again, the sound deep and effortless, as if he could feel her fluster even without her saying a word.

And for the first time that morning, Anna realized something unsettling— she wasn’t sure whether she wanted to push him away...or let him kiss her again.

However, she still chose the first option—pushing him away—until her phone rang on the nightstand, interrupting their moment.

The shrill sound cut through the quiet morning like a blade.

Anna frowned and glanced at the source, but before she could reach for it, Daniel’s arm tightened around her again.

"Will you let go of me?" she snapped, glaring at him.

Daniel didn’t budge. Instead, his grip only grew firmer, a teasing smile playing on his lips as if he found her irritation amusing.

The nerve of him.

Her scowl deepened. "Daniel, I’m serious."

He only raised a brow, clearly enjoying her frustration.

That was it.

"Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you," she said in a deceptively calm tone.

Daniel’s amusement faltered, confusion flickering across his face. "Wait, what do you—"

Before he could finish, Anna lifted her leg and kicked—hard.

Daniel yelped as he tumbled off the bed with an undignified thud.

"Ouch! Anna!" he groaned, rubbing his back as he glared up at her from the floor.

She just smirked, unfazed. "Told you."

He opened his mouth to argue, but she had already turned her attention to the ringing phone. The screen flashed with a name that made her pause.

Hugo.

Her expression shifted instantly. ’Dad?’

Something about the call didn’t sit right with her. Her father rarely called this early, and certainly not on weekdays.

Daniel, still sitting on the floor, noticed the sudden change in her demeanor. "What is it?" he asked, his earlier irritation forgotten.

Anna didn’t answer. She hesitated for a moment, then swiped to accept the call.

"Hello—"

But before she could say more, the voice on the other end froze her completely.