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 it

but didn't care, typing back, [Sure, go ahead and chase

He wondered if Murray would

...

for making my birthday the happiest

when Murray dropped Millie off at

was radiant,

bright, her smile sweet, her voice soft

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

fleeting look of disappointment, but she nodded, "Okay, I'll head back

had them lingering

home was to the left, but the image of the photo Corley sent flashed through Murray's

he drove, a drizzle began, droplets forming on the windshield, blurring the lights into a

rearview mirror, a plaid cashmere blanket could be seen lying on the backseat, forgotten by Millie when

Murray of

air conditioning in his car being too cold,leading them to buy a light brown plaid