Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Roseanne paused for a beat before realizing he was addressing her.

"Only a handful of diners around Kingswell University serve decent food. Running into each other isn't strange, is it?"

She had wanted to snap back the moment Grace repeatedly mentioned how "coincidental" it was.

Coincidental? Really?

Was it such a rare occurrence to bump into classmates at a local eatery?

Why did everyone seem to use that as a conversation starter?

Roseanne couldn't help but feel it was phony and forced.

Murray: "Are you upset?"

Roseanne looked puzzled: "?"

Murray's eyes dimmed, "That day, I took your words to heart-what's broken can't be mended. Since you've moved on, I guess it's time I shouldn't stay stuck in the past either."

Roseanne looked up.

This was the first time she had really observed him since their breakup.

Murray offered a small smile: "Surprised? It's been over a year; some things I've come to understand. I was clinging to false hopes, acting recklessly and causing you trouble. I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

Roseanne's scrutiny intensified.This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

But he appeared unfazed, embodying an air of sincerity and tranquility: "Time heals all wounds. I didn't believe it before, but now I do. You were right; one must look ahead and keep moving forward."

"You..." Roseanne frowned, feeling something off about Murray's sudden change.

His words seemed genuine, yet she couldn't shake the feeling...

It was as if he was purposely saying this for her to hear.

But his intentions or schemes were irrelevant now.

Because it had nothing to do with her anymore.

Roseanne nodded: "It's good you feel that way. I wish you a smooth and bright path ahead."

Murray's lips curved: "Thank you, Anne."

"If you've decided to start afresh,

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remember to change how you address me. Call me Roseanne, okay? Wouldn't want your girlfriend getting the wrong idea," she said with a light smile.

Murray's expression remained unchanged, but his hand clenched into a fist at his side: "...Alright."

"Let's go, Murray." That's when Grace emerged from the convenience store, smiling and reaching out to him.

He moved forward, taking her hand, and casually draped an arm around her waist, nodding slightly towards Roseanne: "We'll be off then."

"Sure."

Roseanne looked away, letting out a sigh.

So exhausting.

Why pretend to know each other?

Who came up with the rule that you have to greet your ex, especially with your current partner in tow? It's maddening!

Hopefully, they won't cross paths again. Fingers crossed!

Halley fetched the car, dropping Roseanne back at her place.

But Corley lingered.

He stood by the car, lighting a cigarette, holding it between his fingers like a hunter waiting for his prey.

Sure enough, Murray soon came to pick up his car.

Their eyes met, Corley's gaze mocking, Murray expressionless.

After a few rounds of silent

confrontation, Corley spoke

nantly: "Where's your

vel

girlfriend? Didn't take her home after

dinner? Or to your place?"

Murray's eyes narrowed slightly, then he chuckled: "She's in the dorms, can walk back by herself, no need for a car."

"You could at least walk her to the dorm building, right?"

Murray countered: "How do you know I didn't?"

l.ne

Corley glanced at his watch: "Then you must move incredibly fast.

Aren't lovebirds supposed to linger, all lovey-dovey and inseparab

UMS

"Back in the day, you and Millie could hardly keep your hands off each other at the school gates. What changed? Got tired of it?"