Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

When the shopkeeper saw Roseanne, he could tell she was from Faeland. When encountering someone from his homeland, his demeanor instantly grew warmer. "You've got a good eye, young lady. I've handcrafted these sculptures myself. They'd make perfect gifts to take back home."

With a smile, Roseanne inquired about the price before saying, "Okay, could you pack them up for me?"

"You got it!" the shopkeeper said while packaging the sculptures and slipping a postcard into the bag. "If there's anything you want to say but can't, write it down here."

Roseanne pursed her lips, thinking it unnecessary as she had nothing she couldn't express, but it seemed rude to refuse a gift.

Back at her hotel room, and after a shower, Roseanne noticed the gift bag on the table. She pulled out the postcard, which featured a stunning seascape of Maldor Beach, and tossed it onto the table. It was of no use to her anyway.

...

The following morning, Corley went to the restaurant right on time, only to find no sign of Roseanne. Only Leda was there, having her breakfast alone, a cup and a salad on the table.

"Good morning, Mr. Sullivan!" Leda greeted him with a smile, having noticed him circling the place thrice. "Looking for someone to have breakfast with?"

Raising an eyebrow, Corley pulled a chair and sat across from her. "Morning, Ms. Reynolds."

"Morning."

Corley glanced at her cup. "That milk looks good."

Leda corrected him. "This is coffee."

An awkward silence ensued.

sipped it and asked, "Is there something you wanted to say,

act, Corley got straight to the point. "Where's

back, "Looking

a reason?" Corley's patience wore

but laugh. "Are all you finance guys

to start conversations and show interest in Anne were too obvious. His intentions were loud

replied, "Not free. Very

why take a

wanted

Leda put down her fork, her

Anne? If I'm

and

brothers, right?"

intentions are too numerous and complicated to explain," Corley said

Leda was silent.

"Murray and I fell

nodded, "I can see that.

was silent. His silence was

into laughter. "Serves him right! That jerk Murray