Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray slammed on the gas and took off, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.

Leda was fuming on the sidewalk, cursing at the top of her lungs. "What kind of jerk does that? A total scumbag! Absolute trash! He's driving me insane!"

Grabbing the young guy by the collar, who was as innocent as a puppy caught in the rain, she vented, "Listen here. Anne is never going back to him! Never!" Trying to play peacemaker, the young guy nodded frantically, "Yeah, yeah, don't get worked up."

But was that even possible? The confidence Murray exuded seemed unshakable.

Stealing a glance at Leda, the young guy wished Leda could trust men as unconditionally as her friend did. Stop right there! He wouldn't dare even dream of it.

...

Meanwhile, Murray answered a call in his car, his tone icy because of his bad mood. "What's up?"

"Hey, babe, I found this amazing place that serves the juiciest crab. Tomorrow's Saturday. Let's go check it out, shall we?" Millie's bubbly voice came through the phone. She knew Murray's love for seafood and was playing to his tastes.

They hadn't been in touch since the previous night, and her anxiety was getting the better of her, pushing her to make the call without a second thought.

plan their dates, and all she had to

to reach out had dwindled, his

he would say, like at that moment. "Saturday? I'm tied up. No can

Saturday, Sunday works, too..." Millie's grip

said I'm busy. Let's leave it at that."

her phone's blank screen, feeling her panic surge again. She thought, 'No, I can't give

...

sun dipped low, Owen and Roseanne bid farewell

said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Why

shook his head. "Can't, I need

echoed his sentiment. "We'll have plenty of

take care, and don't be strangers," Madeleine replied, her words directed

eagerly, Roseanne

her, "By the way, there are some papers and three books on the table for you, stuff you left behind

for SCI submission before graduation, and her professors had kept everything for her. Touched, Roseanne faltered, "Ms. Payne,

and don't forget your lunchbox on the table. I've cleaned it