Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Seeing Murray and Roseanne part on bad terms, Corley raised an eyebrow with a smirk. It seemed like someone's tricks weren't working anymore. Despite the current fallout, Murray and Corley were real-deal buddies in the past.

Murray tried to win her over with gifts, presents, humble gestures, and sweet nothings. Unfortunately, Roseanne wasn't falling for it anymore. "Mr. Sullivan, enjoying the show?" Millie suddenly spoke innocently, her expression pure.

Corley smiled. "Of course."

Millie asked again, "Is it because Murray got the cold shoulder from Roseanne?"

Corley raised an eyebrow, acknowledging her for the first time. "Isn't that what you wanted to see?"

Millie openly admitted, "Yeah, I want to be with Murray forever."

"Well then, I wish you... a lifetime of happiness?" With that, Corley let go of her, stepping back.

Millie smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. And I hope you win your lady's heart, too."

Tsk! Corley turned away. He gave Murray a sympathetic glance, thinking he had attracted a gentle soul, but ended up stirring up a hornet's nest, the kind with stingers and venom.

As the two men passed by each other, Murray suddenly spoke: "Stay away from Anne."

his tracks, his eyes narrowing. "I could say the same to you. You

are you?" Murray stared him down, his eyes somewhat gratified. "If it weren't for me, you and Roseanne wouldn't have crossed paths.

say that, don't forget you and I are now on equal footing. An ex

Corley lost interest in continuing the conversation and left through

Back in her

room,

and showered. With her hair down, she stepped onto the second-floor balcony, the night af carrying the slightly damp saltiness of the sea. The waves

the glistening sea surface, where lights strung together in a line, appearing from afar like stars suddenly dotting

Corley

under the light, quietly looking into the distance. Softened by the gentle tight, her perfect profile made him pause for several

gaze, Roseanne turned

was the first to speak,

a delicate earring resting

taking off her makeup. She hadn't realized she lost it at the party. She thanked him and took the one

wide, but only Maldor

at the sea,

Roseanne agreed. Before coming,

was anxious and stressed, with the pressure of her thesis