Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne bit her lip, tucking her hair behind her ear as she murmured another thanks. "Thank you."

Known for housing the country's most elite legal team, the Sullivan family had stepped in on her behalf, cutting through the red tape that would have entangled anyone else for months. For Roseanne, it was more than just a problem money could solve.

Corley turned to her, his eyes shimmering with solemnity. "I'm not a saint, not even close to a good man. But because it's you, I'm doing this..."

Roseanne averted her gaze toward the sea in the cool night air, pretending not to hear. "What was that? I didn't catch it."

Corley chuckled. "Ah, no worries if you didn't hear. I can repeat it. Want to listen?"

Roseanne remained silent, signaling there was no need.

...

Under the same night sky, Millie was meticulously applying a face mask in front of the mirror at a luxurious overwater bungalow of a resort.

You get what you pay for, indeed. The high-end skincare products Millie couldn't afford before were at her fingertips, all thanks to Murray's credit card, which she wielded without restraint. He never questioned her spending. Her skin had visibly improved from using these premium products.

Lounging on the couch, Murray got interrupted by her phone's vibration, a nuisance that frayed his nerves. "Millie, your phone's ringing."

"Oh, just ignore it. It must be another call from the academic advisor. So annoying! They keep calling..."

Murray was curious. "Academic advisor?"

"Yeah, I submitted a leave request before we left, and they keep checking in. Is that necessary?" She couldn't help but roll her eyes at the thought.

Murray was silent, pondering. "So, did your advisor approve your leave?"

Millie didn't care. "I guess so. Even if not, it doesn't matter. I'm already out of the country, so it's no big deal. Everyone does it."

Murray sighed, standing up. "I need some fresh air."

Millie wanted to go with him. "Hey, wait. I'll finish in a bit. Just wait for me..."

But all she got in response was the sight of him walking away.

Murray found himself thinking about Roseanne again.

Back in college, whenever they squeezed in some time for a date, Roseanne's phone would buzz non-stop, receiving calls from some

Ms. Payne insisting onget

issues ranging from data

inaccuracies to incorrect citations. At first, Murray could tolerate it, but as the calls persisted, irritation brewed within him. Yet, always polite and respectful, Roseanne would continue to answer each call with grace, even while trying to soothe his frustration.

"Don't you find it annoying?" Murray had asked, visibly upset.

"Why would I?" Roseanne had responded, genuinely surprised. "It's my responsibility. Ms. Payne calling to remind me is a kind gesture. How could I find it annoying?"

Indeed, Roseanne's demeanor

remained steady and calm, even amidst their arguments. She was always the first to initiate a dialogue and actively sought to resolve conflicts without being

unreasonable. Content gue

Sometimes, Murray thought her chill vibe was almost freaky, like her sensible side was hiding any love for him.

People said, "When a woman shows no emotional reaction toward you, she doesn't love you. Don't doubt it."

But Millie was different. Murray

could sway her emotions easily. A

single look, a gesture, or a word from him could send her into anxiety or joy. y She would adjust her

match his, complying

ovod to

unconditionally to his every whim and demand. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Thus, after six years of a respectful distance from Roseanne, encountering Millie's adoring gaze turned Murray's head instantly.