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?"

his face stern, "it's truly over this time. I was the

stunned, and Hertha was just as

timeline, Roseanne's absence did seem

leave the hospital, Beverley immediately

connected, Beverley sneered before Roseanne could speak. "Who do you think you are? My son was a blessing in your life! All these years, how much has he spent on you, and how have you repaid him? You ungrateful bitch, worse than a stray

"My son is sick now. When

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

call, she blocked Beverley's number. Then she opened her messaging app, deleted their

let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling an unprecedented

to find the line busy.

...

a subtle smile at the corner

head, having

fallen. The night breeze carried a hint of chill, and the dim streetlights cast a warm glow,