Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Leda was momentarily dazzled by the lights, her face a picture of confusion as she instinctively pushed the man away before he could land a kiss. "Whoa, Anne, you're back." "Ahem! Uh, maybe you two should get dressed first." Roseanne's lips twitched slightly, politely turning her back to give them privacy.

She sighed. It looked like her stay at Leda's place might be over. Even the best of friends needed their privacy. Living together for too long was inconvenient for each other. However, Leda seemed unbothered by the recent interruption. She casually pulled up her slipping strap, draped a jacket over her shoulders, and tossed the man's blazer back to him. Leda left a lipstick mark on his handsome face, and the man's eyes were still red. Leda patted his cheek comfortingly. "Sweetie, wait for me in the bedroom."

Eager to comply, the man picked up his clothes, barely covering his chest, his shoulders full of love bites, and gave Roseanne a cheerful smile. "Hey, Anne, good evening." Roseanne instinctively responded, "Hi, Keven."

The man chuckled and disappeared into the room.

Leda poured herself a glass of red wine, savoring the sweet yet slightly bitter taste, and sighed contentedly before correcting Roseanne, "This one's Steven, not Keven."

Roseanne was at a loss for words.

"Where have you been? It's late," Leda noticed Roseanne's reddened eyes and frowned, "Have you been crying?"

water, her mind elsewhere. "I

college classmates and both Madeleine's students. Leda was still active

at Roseanne.

as her closest friend

even officially her advisor, the resources she was willing to share were significant. According to Madeleine's plan, Roseanne could have been the country's

up her studies. Remembering the teacher's favoritism, Leda couldn't help but think that some people didn't value what comes too effortlessly. After all, geniuses have the

after

Roseanne shook her head.

laughed, albeit frustratedly. "How did you even

"I didn't dare

tease, seeing Roseanne's expression. "You had it

but she