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."

could say the same

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

forget you and I are now on equal footing. An ex

interest in

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 waves rose

railing, she gazed at the glistening sea surface, where lights strung together in a line, appearing from afar like stars

door, Corley also stepped

looking into the distance. Softened by the gentle tight, her perfect profile made him

Roseanne turned to

was the first to speak, "Here, your

a delicate earring resting on his

had noticed an earring missing after taking off her makeup. She hadn't realized she lost it at the party. She

a bit longer. "I've traveled far and wide, but only Maldor Beach brings me peace and a gentle feeling, like the

out at the sea,

Roseanne agreed. Before coming,

with the pressure