Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Hertha was puzzled.

If it had been any other time, Roseanne would have been at Murray's hospital bedside in a heartbeat, fussing over him with water and endless concern, her eyes brimming with tears. But this time, she was nowhere to be seen.

When Hertha voiced her thoughts, a deathly silence spread. Stone-faced, Murray said nothing. Cliff and York, who knew the situation, dared not make a sound.

Corley finally spoke up, his voice indifferent. "They broke up. Didn't you guys know?"

Beverley frowned. "Still holding a grudge? How many days has it been? Her temper sure has grown!"

Upon hearing that, Murray's expression darkened.

"Ahem! Beverley, it might not be so easy to resolve this time..." Corley glanced at Beverley.

Beverley exploded, "What do you mean? Roseanne is putting on airs now?"

"Mom," Murray interrupted coldly, his face stern, "it's truly over this time. I was the one who ended it."

"What?" Beverley was stunned, and Hertha was just as taken aback.

Given the timeline, Roseanne's absence did seem unusually long.

Without waiting to leave the hospital, Beverley immediately called Roseanne.

As soon as the call connected, Beverley sneered before Roseanne could speak. "Who do you think you are? My son was a blessing in your life! All these years, how much has he spent on you, and how have you repaid him? You ungrateful bitch, worse than a stray dog on the street!"

She gritted her teeth. "My son is sick now. When are you coming back..."

On the other end, Roseanne listened quietly, not interrupting, and then calmly said, "I'm sorry, but your son is no longer my concern."

After ending the call, she blocked Beverley's number. Then she opened her messaging app, deleted their conversation, and confirmed.

She let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling an unprecedented sense of freedom.

Shocked by the abrupt end of the call, Beverley tried calling back only to find the line busy. She was livid. "Fine! Have it your way, Roseanne! Just fine!"

...

Carlisle noticed a subtle smile at the corner of her mouth and asked, "Is something up?"

Roseanne shook her head, having just sorted out a mess.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

As they left the library at the end of the day, darkness had fallen. The night breeze carried a hint of chill, and the dim streetlights cast a warm glow, rustling the leaves.

vel.r

Looking at Roseanne's profile, pale and touched with aloofness, Carlisle gathered his courage. "You mentioned grabbing dinner sometime. Why not make it today? Of course, if it's not convenient..."

Roseanne thought it over. Carlisle had been a great help lately, and she had been meaning to treat him to a meal. "Sure, I've got some groceries at home. If you don't mind, how about I cook for us?"

Carlisle was pleasantly surprised. "At your place? Uh, I mean..."

Roseanne nodded. "It's just a fifteen-minute walk from here, quite close. But if you'd rather eat out, that's fine, too. Your choice."

Seeing her so unassuming, Carlisle felt disappointment and relief. "No, no, that sounds great. Homemade is clean and healthy. I'll take you up on that offer, then."