Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Murray, you're back?" Millie's eyes lit up with surprise as she stood up, her bright, starry eyes focusing on him.

Murray asked with a straight face, "What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you. I called you earlier today, but you said you were too busy, so I had to wait until you were off work to come over. I hope I didn't interrupt your work." Millie's voice carried a hint of apprehension, her gaze flitting uncertainly.

"No, you didn't." Murray slowly shook his head.

"That's a relief!" Her smile returned, only to fade as she hesitated, "Murray, I'm hungry."

Millie looked down with her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

Murray began, "Come on, let's go grab something to eat."

"Really? Awesome!"

They ended up at a cozy restaurant, where Murray barely touched his food while Millie delighted in the array of traditional delicacies.

noticing his subdued mood, she spoke less

"Are you full?"

Millie nodded enthusiastically, "Yep!"

get you back

"Okay."

car pulled up, Millie hesitated before opening the door, turning to Murray,

bustling,

campus beauty, Millie drew many curious glances, especially since she was arm-in-arm with an impressively handsome

Murray, her smile radiant, "When can I

Grandstone Institute was curious about the enigmatic

another woman was by his side, Millie

title. He had fulfilled his promise, freeing her

uninterested

seemed oblivious to his disinterest, her excitement undimmed. "It's wonderful, Murray. Every second with you is a joy." With those words, she suddenly faced him, her ponytail swaying gently behind her as she leaped up, planting a soft kiss on his lips. Gasps and murmurs of admiration filled the

The campus

like something out