Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Aaron couldn't stand the thought of her walking away. "All these years, Murray's treated you like some prized trophy, keeping you locked away at home, making it damn near impossible for anyone else to even

glimpse you."

Roseanne looked up, her smile fading slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

Aaron took a deep breath. "Back in the day, you turned us down but ended up with him because he wouldn't give up, always the more persistent one. But did you ever stop and think that his persistence was more about winning the game than about you?"

Roseanne felt her already shattered heart torn apart again. Was what she considered deep affection merely a momentary passion, a desire to compete and win?

Seeing her face turn pale, a flicker of sympathy crossed Aaron's eyes.

He reached out, trying to touch her face, but Roseanne stepped back, putting distance between them. "Mr. Lincoln, please keep your distance."

Aaron leaned in closer. "Stop pretending. I know things are done between you and Murray."

what about it?" Roseanne asked, lifting

as long as you're with me..." Whether it was

laughed. "Jumping from one mess into another? Mr. Lincoln, it was nice seeing you today. But from now on, it's best if

turned and walked

was someone she wanted to deal with right then. And they'd both do well to stay away from

watched her slim figure disappear, a shadow crossing his

chuckle. "Anne, the tree desires calm, but the wind will not cease. Do you think you can escape?" Unbeknownst to them, someone had witnessed the

air, when he spotted York with his phone,

his phone with pride and waving it before

Corley glanced at the photo and instantly recognized the

with the thrill of gossip. "Not just her, but Aaron too. I've already sent it

one woman's affection

He paused, his