Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

She pushed open the door and stepped out, hesitantly calling out-"Cousin?"

The man turned around, and his eyes lit up with surprise: "Anne?"

It was indeed Halley Cole, the only son of Maddox Cole and Raven.

He hadn't brought an umbrella, and his T-shirt was already soaked through, with droplets of water dripping from the tips of his hair.

Roseanne quickly pulled out some tissues and handed them over, saying, "Here, dry yourself off. Even though it's summer, walking around with wet hair can still give you a cold." "Thanks." He took them, wiping his hair while remarking, "You're still as thoughtful and caring as when you were a kid."

The bookstore was connected to the neighboring mall, so since they had bumped into each other and it was still raining outside, they decided they might as well grab lunch together.

Roseanne called Madge to let her know she wouldn't be coming home for lunch today. After a couple of questions, Madge didn't pry further and hung up.

Inside the bistro, the mellow background music made the dreary rainy day seem a bit brighter. They sat by the window, where the floor-to-ceiling glass kept out the sound of the rain, leaving only the picturesque view.

few signature dishes. While waiting for their food, she turned

inadvertently met Halley's. Roseanne was momentarily startled, then offered

they were only three years apart, it was easy for them to play together. Throughout middle and high school, they kept

time Halley visited

it was fruit-filled pastries, other times cookies or snacks, and occasionally, a pack of spicy strips... Those were

from college that she got busy with her studies and relationships, and Halley with his internships and work, leading to their calls becoming less

After graduating, Roseanne devoted

entire self

the hardships of starting business, taking care of his daily needs, while Halley, having quit his

lost contact. Occasionally thinking of reaching out, they would both hesitate, feeling it odd to suddenly call after such a long time without contact. Both harbored this thought, leading to a

you haven't changed a bit." She was still the sister he remembered, quiet, beautiful, with eyes always

was genuinely pleased. Those six