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.

she always reached out first, but not

came with irony. "Isn't removing an

"And when were

response was soft but firm.

long do you

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

a short distance, Millie watched with jealousy consuming her. She pushed through the crowd to

looking for you. I'm scared. Don't leave

through, indicating they had the issue resolved and

didn't spare another glance as she

her lip. "Murray, wait for

anxiously waiting. Hearing about the potential danger inside, she was relieved to

"I'm fine. Let's go home.

had other plans.

Millie emerge

a dime a dozen. Let's go have some

followed Leda into the vibrant nightlife of a bustling bar. Amid the smoky and perfumed air, with neon lights flashing,

band played, and Leda ushered them into a private booth, ordering whiskey and a cocktail for Roseanne, who

acquaintance was through Murray, and their interaction was

world," she greeted

out with friends and didn't expect to

eyeing

answered lightly, "No, with

"Murray?"