Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 766

Corley gestured for her to come in, and Roseanne gently pushed the door open.

She'd always known Corley had good taste, but the meticulous attention to detail in the room completely exceeded her expectations.

The subtle scent of mint wafted through the air-her favorite-fresh and invigorating.

The room was decorated in soft, neutral tones.

The walls were painted a warm, creamy beige, and a plush shag carpet covered the hardwood floor, giving a cozy and buoyant feel underfoot.

Knowing her love for books, Corley had thoughtfully installed extra shelves along the wall. By the window, there was a comfortable reading chair.

The soft sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a warm glow on the pages... an inviting scene she could easily imagine herself in.

There was even more-a few side tables, a cozy little sofa, and a quaint coffee station.

Pulling back the curtains revealed a private balcony with views of the sky, rolling hills, woods, and meadows-a breathtaking panorama.

"Do you like it?" Corley's voice broke her reverie.

Roseanne turned to him and nodded, "Thank you, I love it."

She turned back to the window, her voice light, "This feels so magical, like something out of a fairy tale... like Cinderella finally finding her castle."

Her tone was calm, showing she was pleased but not overwhelmed.

you're not Cinderella," he said suddenly.

for a prince to save her. But not you. You're strong and take control of your own

so highly of me. You must be

a serious

"Corley..."

going to say," he interrupted, his voice steady. "To you, I wear many hats your ex's

pressed her lips together, saying

like you?" Corley gazed out into the distance and continued without waiting for her response. "Some people, you meet

to her, his dark eyes filled with unspoken

say more, but he

looked at her with an intensity that was hard

kinds of love," Roseanne finally said. "Relationships come in all forms. Lovers may

"At least now, as your 'brother,' I

hesitate. It's a brother's duty

"Alright."

exhaled, thinking he'd accepted the role of 'brother' and

she didn't

way Corley watched her leave his gaze dark and deep,dike an endless whirlpool,

to the table. "These are all your favorite dishes. Your mom told me what you like; I hope they taste

was prepared, she was still taken aback

spread out

as Grandma Geneva had said, they were all her

This was...