Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Hertha was puzzled.

If it had been any other time, Roseanne would have been at Murray's hospital bedside in a heartbeat, fussing over him with water and endless concern, her eyes brimming with tears. But this time, she was nowhere to be seen.

When Hertha voiced her thoughts, a deathly silence spread. Stone-faced, Murray said nothing. Cliff and York, who knew the situation, dared not make a sound.

Corley finally spoke up, his voice indifferent. "They broke up. Didn't you guys know?"

Beverley frowned. "Still holding a grudge? How many days has it been? Her temper sure has grown!"

Upon hearing that, Murray's expression darkened.

"Ahem! Beverley, it might not be so easy to resolve this time..." Corley glanced at Beverley.

Beverley exploded, "What do you mean? Roseanne is putting on airs now?"

truly over this time. I was the

and Hertha was

timeline, Roseanne's absence

leave the

blessing in your life! All

gritted her teeth. "My son is

quietly, not interrupting, and then calmly said, "I'm sorry, but your son is

Then she opened her messaging app, deleted

out a deep sigh of relief, feeling an unprecedented

calling back only to find the line busy. She was livid. "Fine! Have it your way, Roseanne! Just

...

noticed a subtle smile at the corner of her mouth and asked, "Is

having just

they left the library at the end of the day, darkness had fallen. The night breeze carried a hint of chill, and the dim streetlights cast