Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"You're so handsome, I'm totally smitten, let's give it a shot, be my boyfriend..."

"Wow, aren't you the bold one," Roseanne laughed.

"My biggest virtue is my courage to dream big and act on it."

"Yeah? Maybe just stick to dreaming for now," Roseanne teased.

Corley, seemingly oblivious to her subtle rejection, grinned, "Dream first, then do."

"Not everything can be done," she said, dampening his spirits a bit.

"No worries. You gotta try, right? No regrets. Who knows? Maybe it'll happen."

Roseanne didn't respond.

At the staircase, Corley stopped, "This is you."

"Thanks."

if you need

"Sure."

me again. You're thinking, 'Sure, I'll say yes now, but when push comes to shove,

twitched at the corner of

know you're Miss Independent, happy with your solo gig. But maybe, just maybe, think of me if you need help? I'm not asking to be the first

"Head up then."

room light flicked on,

...

month in the villa, Millie's pregnancy was stable and she was well taken care of. With Murray away and no one to berate

and even gained a

hand, slaved away,

Millie's unpredictable demands, left her frazzled. Even if Millie was quiet, Beverley would wake up startled,

restraint. Fed up, Beverley left Millie in the mall

Beverley lounging and eating watermelon, Millie scoffed, "Leaving me alone in the mall and sneaking back to enjoy yourself, are you living