Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

On a pleasant Saturday, the weather was just right.

Thick clouds allowed streaks of warm sunlight to peek through, making Roseanne break into a slight sweat during her morning jog. After a refreshing shower and changing clothes, she grabbed the medicine she had purchased earlier and hailed a cab to Madeleine's place.

"Ms. Payne, please take these three times a day. It's chilly these days, so you don't need to refrigerate them. Just ensure to warm them up before drinking," Roseanne explained as she handed over the medications.

A staunch woman unafraid of much, Madeleine had one particular aversion to the taste and smell of medications. She eyed the dark liquid distastefully, distancing herself before voicing her struggle. "Do I have to take this?"

"Absolutely," Roseanne replied. "I've arranged with your housekeeper to make sure you take it three times daily without skipping."

Madeleine grimaced in resignation. "Okay, I got it."

Madeleine couldn't dismiss Roseanne's kind gesture, no matter how much she detested the idea.

Seeing Madeleine's face contorted in disgust like a petulant child, Roseanne couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I know it's bitter, so I brought you some pistachio fudge from Sweet Delights downtown. Have a piece after your medicine, and it won't taste so bad."

expression instantly disappeared, replaced

conversation turned

research team next year. Three members have been on the list, leaving two spots open. The criteria are strict. Candidates must have excellent grades and an

surprised by

with perks. Outstanding members might go straight to a Ph.D. program or get an

leading biotech firm not just

was a dream workplace for many in the field, known as a scientist's paradise, owned by

groundbreaking biotech research.

of your academic performance, so I've never doubted your capabilities," Madeleine said, locking eyes with Roseanne. "What

years,

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agility with equipment, and understanding of new technologies were all areas of concern. Beyond innate talent,

all that time in the lab for a reason, right? You build your skills