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."

attention, he'd mingled and had

with a tray of wine,

to do the same. After she finished her

raised an eyebrow. "Leaving so

about you stay till

"Okay," she agreed.

her more than expected, and the room felt warm. Corley got caught up with 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

was about to follow

his

find somewhere to sit down, please?" Her voice was

leaning into him like

moment, Roseanne

had no choice but to step back, his voice tinged with irritation,

room to the garden wasn't far, lined with lush greenery and exotic flowers that one might only

of