Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Suddenly, Roseanne was alone in the room. The alarm had gone off, making the lights brighter than before. With a few steps forward, she spotted a guide sign. After breezing through the second challenge, she heard a crowded commotion not too far ahead. It seemed the exit was jam-packed with people.

Just as she hesitated to push through the crowd, another wave of people surged from behind, leaving her nowhere to go.

In the chaos, someone pushed her to the side and stepped on her foot, causing her to gasp in pain as she got pressed against the uneven wall.

Then, she felt a gaze on her and instinctively looked up to meet the eyes of a man.

Murray's heart ached when seeing Roseanne in such a mess, yet he was annoyed, too. It was indeed her. The "Anne" he thought he heard wasn't imagined.

But then, it struck him odd that she'd be enjoying a haunted house adventure, seemingly living it up after their breakup.

"Murray?" Millie anxiously tugged at Murray's arm, shooting a defensive glance at Roseanne.

Avoiding further interaction, Roseanne pushed back into the crowd, aiming to follow the others out.

The flickering lights and the chaotic crowd added to the tension until a scream pierced the air. A faux wooden sword hung precariously above, threatening to fall right where Roseanne stood.

"Watch out!" Without a second thought, Murray let go of Millie and fought through the crowd, pulling Roseanne to safety as the sword crashed to the ground with a loud thud. It turned out to be a metal sword painted to look wooden. The potential danger was apparent.

Shaken, Roseanne felt Murray's grip on her hand. He hadn't let go, but she quickly pulled away.

"Thanks," she said, her voice distant.

Murray's deep eyes clouded with a mix of feelings. "Is that all you have to say to me?"

She looked puzzled. What more was there to say between them?

"Why did you block me?" Murray stepped closer, his voice low and husky.

Roseanne was stunned.

but she always reached

smile came with irony. "Isn't removing an ex the normal

frowned, caught off guard. "And when were you planning to add

was soft but

Murray at her subdued demeanor. "How long do

they got pushed apart again. Murray reached for her hand again but got swiftly taken by someone

consuming her. She pushed

out of here. It's so dark and scary. I almost fell looking for you. I'm scared. Don't

that time, an announcement came through, indicating they had the issue resolved and asking the visitors

didn't spare another glance as she walked out

bit her lip. "Murray, wait

Leda had been anxiously waiting. Hearing about the potential danger inside, she was relieved to see Roseanne

fine. Let's

had

Millie emerge

just yet. Men are a dime a dozen.

bar. Amid the smoky and perfumed air, with neon lights flashing,

and Leda ushered them into a private booth, ordering whiskey and a cocktail for Roseanne, who hardly had strong drinks. Feeling the alcohol's warmth, Roseanne excused herself to the restroom, only to bump

was through Murray, and their interaction

she greeted him

was out with friends and didn't expect to run

eyeing her

"No, with a

"Murray?"