Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 743

Corley found himself at a dimly lit bar, the kind where the air was thick with the scent of whiskey and the buzz of quiet conversations. He plunked down at the counter and cracked open a few bottles of bourbon, downing one glass after another like they were water.

During his little binge, a couple of women tried their luck at striking up a conversation, but he sent them all packing without a second thought.

By the time Corley's face was as red as a ripe apple, and his vision was playing tricks on him, he stumbled back to his hotel.

His head was spinning like one of those old merry-go-rounds, and every time he blinked, he saw Roseanne's face. He couldn't wrap his head around why he was always a step behind.

First, he'd lost to Murray, and now to this damned "cousin" of hers. Life was never on his side, he mused bitterly.

After a wobbly taxi ride, Corley staggered through the hotel doors. As he exited the elevator, a whiff of perfume hit him, followed by a soft body pressing against his side. Her voice was like syrup, sticky and too sweet, "Hey handsome, all alone? Looks like you've had a bit too much. How about I keep you company?"

The alcohol dulled his reactions, but he managed to push her away, nearly sending her sprawling. "Get lost! Don't touch me!" he snapped, like she was something foul.

spat, "Who do you think you are, pushing me away? Just a

as his eyes turned icy, enough to send a shiver down her spine. She hesitated,

his phone, it was past one in the morning. His thumb hovered over the screen, but he couldn't bring

state, they offered to help. Corley handed over his room key, silently asking them to get him to his

opening the door, they managed to get him onto the bed before

end up like that?" one of them asked

smell the booze from a mile away. He was out before we

something? Sounded like 'Rose' or

that's what matters. We should probably let the front

coffee and the sound of people bustling about. Near the upscale neighborhood, a bustling farmer's

Even from the nearby villas, residents could be seen heading towards the market, pulling little

swnown

about getting the freshest stuff!" one elderly