Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Grace knew the stakes. The moment she agreed, their relationship would become transactional, a far cry from what she truly desired. Yet, rejecting the offer could mean losing her only chance to get closer to him. She was certain he wouldn't hesitate to walk away without a backward glance.

"...Okay, I agree," she said, forcing a casual laugh. "It's all make-believe anyway. If anything, I'm coming out ahead."

It was pretend for now, but who could predict the future? All she needed was time.

Murray's gaze was lowered, his expression unreadable. "Fine. I'll have my assistant draft a contract. Just sign it and we'll be set."

Putting it in black and white would prevent any disputes, a lesson he'd learned the hard way from Millie.

Grace nodded with a smile, though inside, her heart sank. It was clear he wanted to keep their relationship strictly professional and was wary of any emotional entanglements.

"Now, can we exchange numbers? It'll make communication easier," Grace said, pulling out her phone openly.

Murray hummed in agreement, scanned her QR code, and sent a request.

Grace accepted immediately, noticing his profile picture was a serene landscape of a river and a lone boat amidst a light fog.

"Funny, your picture has water, and mine's of clouds."

Murray replied, "What's so funny about water and clouds?"

Grace paused. "...Well, they're both part of nature."

her, "My picture isn't of

"Oh?"

"It's of rain."

chuckled awkwardly. "Right... didn't catch that

"In spring, the waters are as blue as the sky, listening to Roseanne

the way, I don't know your name yet... Here, I'll send you mine," Grace said, sending her

already pocketed his phone, succinctly stating,

was already on his feet, ready to leave. After a few steps, he turned back as if remembering something. "To ensure our cooperation remains

at him. "...What's

emotionless. "During

someone I'm fond of, and I'm

personal. I have partners

You seem

me. It won't end well. Apart from Roseanne, there's no one else

distant as a winter rain,

...

Sunday. After

Murray himself, Roseanne couldn't directly proceed with the necessary formalities

as she reached

for

had also gone for a run the previous