Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne bit her lip, tucking her hair behind her ear as she murmured another thanks. "Thank you."

Known for housing the country's most elite legal team, the Sullivan family had stepped in on her behalf, cutting through the red tape that would have entangled anyone else for months. For Roseanne, it was more than just a problem money could solve.

Corley turned to her, his eyes shimmering with solemnity. "I'm not a saint, not even close to a good man. But because it's you, I'm doing this..."

Roseanne averted her gaze toward the sea in the cool night air, pretending not to hear. "What was that? I didn't catch it."

Corley chuckled. "Ah, no worries if you didn't hear. I can repeat it. Want to listen?"

Roseanne remained silent, signaling there was no need.

...

Under the same night sky, Millie was meticulously applying a face mask in front of the mirror at a luxurious overwater bungalow of a resort.

You get what you pay for, indeed. The high-end skincare products Millie couldn't afford before were at her fingertips, all thanks to Murray's credit card, which she wielded without restraint. He never questioned her spending. Her skin had visibly improved from using these premium products.

Lounging on the couch, Murray got interrupted by her phone's vibration, a nuisance that frayed his nerves. "Millie, your phone's ringing."

another call from

curious. "Academic

request before we left, and they keep checking in. Is that necessary?"

pondering. "So, did your advisor

so. Even if not, it doesn't matter. I'm already out of the country,

sighed, standing up. "I need some fresh

with him. "Hey, wait. I'll finish in a bit. Just wait

all she got in response was the sight of him

thinking about Roseanne

they squeezed in some time for a date, Roseanne's phone would buzz

Ms. Payne insisting onget

issues ranging from data

tolerate it, but as the calls persisted, irritation brewed within him. Yet, always polite and respectful, Roseanne would continue to answer each call with grace, even while trying to soothe his

annoying?" Murray had asked,

would I?" Roseanne had responded, genuinely surprised. "It's my responsibility. Ms. Payne calling to remind me is a kind gesture. How could

Indeed, Roseanne's demeanor

steady and calm, even amidst their arguments. She was always the first to initiate a dialogue and actively sought to

unreasonable. Content gue