Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



On a Saturday, after two continuous days of rainfall, the skies over Lumina City finally cleared.

A chill swept through the city following the winter rain, signaling the end of the sweltering summer. Only the biting cold and the crisp wind remained.

When Roseanne stepped out, she was bundled up in a thick cotton jacket, her head covered with a hat and her neck wrapped in a scarf, all snug and warm against the cold.Property © 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

Murray was already waiting downstairs.

On such a frosty day, he had parked his car across the street, choosing instead to wait by the entrance of the building.

Passersby couldn't help but give him a second glance.

But he seemed indifferent to their stares, his gaze fixed on the building's exit with a concentration bordering on devotion.

Owen Reynolds was heading to the lab.

He saw Murray just as he stepped out.

Naturally, Murray noticed him too.

Their eyes met, and a silent hostility hung between the two men.

Owen held a particularly low opinion of Murray, even worse than that of Corley. He remembered the incident at the villa, the way Murray had treated Roseanne...

Owen's gaze darkened.

"Mr. Sherwood, did you just arrive, or did you never leave from last night?"

Murray sneered, "Professor, always complicating things. Whether I just arrived or never left isn't the point. What matters is—"

He paused, his smile sharp, "Anne agreed to go out with me today. We have a date."

Owen's first thought was disbelief.

But then, considering Roseanne's recent rush for the lab, could there be a connection?

He suppressed his thoughts, his expression unchanging, "If Roseanne agreed to meet you, she must have her reasons."

The term "date" subtly shifted to "meet."

Who said professors weren't smooth talkers?

"I just want to remind you, a man can be poor or unattractive, but he should never lack decency."

Murray's brows furrowed, "What are you implying?"

"Respecting women, not going against their wishes, that's basic integrity and manners for a man. Bear that in mind."

With that, Owen walked past him, heading towards the corner.

His stride was steady, his posture casual, but unseen, his fists were clenitghtly, veins standing out against his skin.

...

Roseanne was momentarily startled when she saw Murray.

Today, he wasn't in a suit but dressed casually in dark blue jeans paired with a grey and white striped down jacket.

His soft black hair hung naturally over his forehead, less sharp and frivolous, and more youthful and bright.

For a moment, she saw the Murray of the past.

Back then, he was a passionate young man with pure and fervent eyes.

His gaze was so focused, making Roseanne believe their relationship was timeless and unchangeable. Yet, reality taught her otherwise-

Nothing lasts forever.

Feelings change, and so do people.

swne

"What's the plan?" she asked straightforwardly.

There was no expectation, no joy, just a business-like tone, as if fulfilling a duty.

A hint of sadness flickered in Murray's eyes, quickly replaced by a smile, "Let's get in the car first."

They crossed the street, with Murray gallantly opening the passenger door for her.

"Watch your head."

Roseanne bent down and got in.

He moved to the driver's seat, settled in, and started the engine.

"Remember our first date?"

Roseanne remained silent.

Nostalgia appeared in his eyes as he continued, "It was at that coffee

shop around the corner. I bought

flowers and a cake, we agreed t

meet at two, but you didn't show up until four, not answering your phone..."

At four, Roseanne finally arrived.

S

Still in her white lab coat, she apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry, I was in the lab today, couldn't bring my phone, and then I forgot we had a date..."