Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 484



"We won't accept any gifts. First, it's not right to take something for nothing. We're not family, and regardless of the value, it's just not appropriate." "Second, your relationship with Roseanne is over. Now, you're just a stranger to us, and we have even less reason to accept anything from you." The only meeting they had involved Madge and Norris waiting in the diner for nearly half an hour for him.

Murray showed up empty-handed, muttered a quick "hi", and then buried his head in his meal.

He barely initiated any conversation throughout the entire meeting. At that moment, only one thought crossed Madge's mind—

"A square peg in a round hole."

This man was clearly not the right match for her daughter. But Roseanne was infatuated, making excuses for his abrupt departure after claiming he had something urgent to attend to.

Madge didn't say a word, but her heart ached-for her daughter's concessions and even more for her not being respected by the man she loved.

No matter what, Murray's behavior towards them was a clear sign of disrespect!

How's a guy who doesn't even respect your folks going to respect you any more?

As a mother, Madge arrived hopeful but left worried.

Sure, she could have explained all this to Roseanne, even insisting that they were not suitable and must break up.

But Madge didn't. She knew that unless Roseanne saw this relationship through to its bitter end, she would always regret and pine for what might have been.

When kids grow up, parents have to learn to let go. Let her make her own mistakes.

But what Madge hadn't expected was that letting go would lead to her daughter giving up a potential PhD for him!

The price was just too high.

"Anyway, it's all in the past now. Roseanne has started a new life. If you still feel a bit sorry for her, please don't disturb her anymore."

Madge wasn't one for arguments or noise, so she spoke softly and slowly.

Yet her gentle tone carried such harsh words.

Murray staggered slightly: "Mrs. Cole..."

Inside, Norris heard the commotion and came out, his expression suddenly turning cold.

"What are you doing here?"

"Mr. Cole..."

Murray opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Norris waved him off, giving him no chance: "We know all about you and Anne. Since it's over, let's just go our separate ways and wish each other well. Time to leave."

S

Typical of the couple, they said the same thing.

Murray lowered his gaze, lips pressed tightly: "...Sorry for the intrusion."

Turning to leave, he bumped into Owen, who was returning from his lab.

Their eyes met, Owen's expression unchanged.

Murray's eyes swirled with hidden currents.

As they passed each other, Murray heard Norris' warm greeting from behind—

"Owen, you're back? I haven't

finished those papers you sent me last time. It was really thoughtful of you, you know. You could have just emailed them, but you went to the trouble of printing and mailing them to me."

Owen: "It's no trouble. I remember you mentioned, Mr. Cole, that despite the convenience of digital documents, you still prefer reading on paper. I was going to give them to you directly, but Anne said you had already left, so I thought it'd be a waste not to send them.

Norris: "Exactly! It would've been such a waste to not use that whole stack."

"Yeah."

"By the way, I made ribs tonight. You haven't eaten yet, have you? Come on over."

Owen smirked: "Then I won't be polite."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"You're family, no need for politeness."

"I'll just drop my stuff off at home first."

"No need to rush putting your things away. Come in for a cup of tea first; I just brewed it, and it's perfect right now. It'll be over-brewed if you wait."

"Sure."

Norris immediately turned, calling into the house, "Anne, Owen's back! Get a cup ready."

"Okay."

The moment Roseanne's voice reached him, Murray's heart, already battered and bruised, shattered anew.