Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray had no desire to stick around for another lecture. He made a beeline for the stairs, tuning out the noise. Hertha called out to him. "Tomorrow, 2 PM, at Thyme & Seasons. Mom's set you up on a blind date. Don't be late!" "Cut the crap," Murray said without looking back.

Hertha stuck her tongue out at Murray's retreating figure before she finally left. She was well-versed in this routine. After all, sneaking around with Roseanne didn't clash with meeting potential matches her mom approved.

Murray had been dragged into these setups for years, mostly just going through the motions to appease their mother.

After shooing Hertha away, Murray retreated to his home office to tackle some company work.

He had ventured out on his years ago, eager to break free from the family's clutches. The first three years were a struggle without their help, with only Roseanne by his side. Only in the recent two years, he had finally made a name for himself and his company, shaking off the "rich kid" and "playboy" labels.

As Murray's success grew, his family's attitude softened, moving from outright opposition to his relationship with Roseanne to a begrudging acceptance.

After wrapping up his work, Murray realized the sun had set. The evening lights were on, and he felt the pangs of hunger.

He picked up his phone and called his girlfriend, "Hey, what's up?"

Her voice was a whisper on the other end. "Babe, sorry, I'm in class. I'll come see you afterward, okay?"

said "Babe" made Murray's skin crawl. "Yeah, sure. You do

it, focusing on his work until his stomach protested

he changed his clothes and was about to head out when he noticed a girl sitting by the door, who jumped up at

I knocked, but you didn't hear. So, I waited," Millie

frowned, not answering her question but

guilty. "I asked

"Cliff?"

"No, York."

sighed. "Come

she bounced inside, taking in her surroundings while

you

more important," Millie

heavy course load, never skipping class for him. Roseanne found time for him after they got together, and her

something. "Hey,

almond oatmeal?" Murray