Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He froze suddenly, almost reflexively yanking his hand away from Millie's gentle grasp.

Caught off guard, Millie couldn't help but frown, following his gaze, only to find Roseanne standing not too far ahead.

Murray furrowed his brows, turning to Corley. "You invited Roseanne?"

"Yeah, we're all friends here," Corley smiled innocuously.

Murray pressed, "Why didn't you give me a heads-up?"

Corley shrugged. "Got caught up, I guess. But I didn't think it'd be a big deal."

Meanwhile, Roseanne had spotted Murray, too, but quickly averted her gaze. She was there to drop off her well-wishes and leave. Her time was too precious, buried in books and research, to waste on social gatherings.

Approaching Corley, she said, "Happy birthday. Here's the present for you. It isn't expensive. Hope you like it." She handed him a gift box.

Corley accepted it with a chuckle. "Well, thanks a bunch."

center of attention, he'd mingled and had a slight

with a drink, shall we?" A waiter passed by with a tray of wine, from

his drink in one gulp, prompting Roseanne to do the same. After she finished her drink, she checked the time and hinted that she

raised an eyebrow. "Leaving so soon? The party's just

about

"Okay," she agreed.

other guests, so Roseanne asked a waiter for directions and headed toward the garden through an arched doorway. Murray watched Roseanne leave, his face darkening. She hadn't given

about to follow when

clung to his

find somewhere to

him

that moment, Roseanne

no choice but to step back, his voice tinged with

path from the living room to the garden wasn't far, lined with lush greenery and exotic flowers

Some of