Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 735

Pinehollow?

Corley paused for a moment, trying to wrap his head around what he'd just heard.

He glanced at Roseanne out of the corner of his eye, quickly saying into the phone, "Grandpa, I've got something really important to take care of right now. Once I'm done, I'll head back. Just make sure you and Grandma keep your emotions in check, okay? The doctor said no big highs or lows."

"Alright, don't worry about it, take your time. We've already found her, and it turns out you know her."

Corley was puzzled. "I know her?"

"Yeah, your aunt's going by the name Madge now. She's the author of 'Seven Days'! Remember last time at The Book Nook? She was having a book signing upstairs while we were downstairs. It's my fault your grandma didn't get to go up and see her... just a missed opportunity."

"And Roseanne... no wonder I felt such a connection with that young lady. It's all in the family... the universe works in mysterious ways, and it led me right to them..."

"Corley? Corley? Are you still listening?"

His grandfather continued to ramble on, but Corley's mind was buzzing, unable to process anything beyond the shocking revelation that his aunt was the author of 'Seven Days.'

Roseanne's mom, the long-lost aunt?

He looked up at the sky, his mind blank.

Suddenly-

"Corley, are you okay?" Roseanne's voice broke through his thoughts.

ended, yet he remained frozen, phone still

who'd wandered

"Corley? What's wrong?"

the call was about, but Corley's suddenly pale face

disbelief, and a touch of bitter amusement playing across

seen

happened?" she asked again, worry etched

mechanically raised a hand, waving it weakly

his face ghostly

I've got to

sorry... I can't drive you back...

stumbled into his car, accidentally shifting into reverse

correcting himself in a

drove off without even turning

just stood

What just happened?

felt a sense of

for her; he was candid about it, never trying

them being together, or about her making him

But today felt different.

no

the bouquet of blue roses and the

Corley had put