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."

"I could say

gratified. "If it weren't for me, you and Roseanne wouldn't have crossed

snorted, "Before you say that, don't forget you and I are now on

watched Corley coldly, but Corley lost interest in continuing the conversation and left through another

Back in her

room,

mask 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

sea surface, where lights strung together in a line, appearing

door, Corley also stepped

and saw Roseanne sitting under the light, quietly looking into the distance. Softened by the gentle tight,

his gaze, Roseanne turned

first to

hand, revealing a delicate earring resting on his

makeup. She hadn't realized she lost it

Corley lingered a bit longer. "I've traveled far and wide, but only Maldor Beach brings me

sea, he suddenly felt

Roseanne agreed. Before coming,

was anxious and stressed, with the pressure of