Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and tranquil purple, Rose and Max stood side by side on the viewing deck, sharing one last sunset together. The sun, once a full, glowing orb, gradually slipped away, leaving behind only the persistent glow of twilight.

"Let's head back, it's getting late," Rose suggested, breaking the peaceful silence.

"Sure. I'll drive you," Max replied, their eyes meeting briefly, a calm understanding reflected in both.

---

In the car, after Rose answered a call, she turned to Max. "Can you drop me off at Kingswell College? My professor needs to see me."

"Of course," Max agreed without hesitation.

As night embraced the sky, Max pulled up in front of Kingswell College. He quickly got out and walked around to open the door for Rose, a gesture of chivalry that didn't go unnoticed.

As she stepped out, Rose looked up at him, a hint of something resolute in her gaze. "I've done what I promised you. I hope you don't go back on your word this time."

resist, reached out to hold her hand, only to find her stepping back,

regret my mistakes. I sincerely want to start over. Give

his almost pleading tone. "Initially, I didn't agree to your request. But after giving it some thought, I realized there are things I

a sinking feeling he wouldn't

mended. I hope you don't waste your time and

start is

removing the dead weight can a wound truly heal. All you need is a bit of courage

turned and strode into the college grounds, leaving Max frozen in

to look back. But not this time. She walked away without a backward glance. Max knew then he

kind that threatened

onto a nearby bench, lost in his

a gentle voice broke through his sorrow, "Hey, are

of concerned, beautiful eyes. It was Grace, the woman he had seen a few times at the college gates, the one who had picked up the flowers and cake he