Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray was enjoying a candlelit dinner with Millie at an upscale steakhouse when his phone buzzed with a message. His face darkened instantly. Seeing the sudden change in Murray's demeanor, Millie asked cautiously, "What's wrong?"

Murray held his breath, not making a sound, then replied to the message tersely. [None of my business.]

On the other end, Corley couldn't help but smirk with a knowing look as he texted back, [Looks like it's truly over between you and Roseanne, huh?]

Murray glanced at the message and clenched his jaw, but his reply was indifferent. [Yeah, so? Got a problem with that?]

Corley responded with a surrendering emoji, [No, wouldn't dare to have an opinion.]

Then he added, [So, you wouldn't mind if someone else starts chasing Roseanne?]

York interrupted out of nowhere, [What's the deal? You're after her now?]

Corley's reply was a cheeky GIF that said, 'Oh yeah.'

Cliff burst into laughter. [Hahaha, that's rich!]

York added, [You've got guts, man.]

one took

saw the GIF but didn't care, typing back, [Sure, go

away his phone, satisfied. He wondered if Murray would regret

...

you for making my birthday the

was 9 PM when Murray dropped

to part so soon." Her smile was radiant, revealing two cute dimples as she pouted playfully. "You seem so calm. Don't you hate to see

bright, her smile sweet, her voice soft and teasing like a gentle

upturned face, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "You have class tomorrow. You've had a long day. Better head back

bit her lip, a fleeting look of disappointment, but she nodded,

lingering for

image of the photo Corley sent flashed through Murray's mind. Impulsively,

droplets forming on the windshield, blurring the

be seen lying on the backseat, forgotten

reminded Murray of

being too cold,leading them to buy a light