Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Roseanne snapped back to reality, whirling around to face the newcomer.

Murray, clad in a sharp suit, stood erect and appeared leaner than before, his cheeks slightly hollowed out.

As she surveyed him, Murray's gaze devoured her in return.

She wore a beige knit sweater paired with black skinny jeans, topped off with a khaki trench coat. Her hair, uncolored and uncurled, cascaded past her shoulders in a casual flow.

White sneakers adorned her feet, simple and pristine.

"Hey there," Roseanne initiated when he remained silent, breaking the ice with a greeting that felt oddly formal for two people who had once been so close.

In that moment, Murray felt as if struck by Thor's hammer.

"Anne... do we really need to be so formal with each other?"

Roseanne offered a smile, but didn't bite.

Murray's heart ached, yet he managed a smile as well. "You here for something?"

"Yes," she nodded earnestly.

"Shall we talk inside?"

"Sure."

Roseanne headed toward the office.

Murray followed closely, shutting the door behind them, cutting off the curious glances from the secretaries and assistants outside.

"Maurice! Who's that lady? Never seen her before. Is she here to see Mr. Sherwood about business?"

The question came from a female assistant, new to the job for just a couple of months.

The one who had previously made a mistake with flight bookings had been let go.

Maurice frowned, "Finished with your tasks? Learned everything you need to? So many questions, you might as well switch careers and become a journalist."

The assistant's smile faltered, "Sorry, just a bit curious..."

Maurice surveyed the room. "The rest of you feel the same?"

Silence, which was as good as a confirmation.

Maurice's expression darkened. "Some of you have been here for years, others just arrived. Regardless of how long you've been here or your experience level, remember this "

"Ask fewer questions, pry less, and keep curiosity in check!"

Heads bowed in acknowledgment.

Maurice turned away, not returning to his desk but instead, reluctantly knocking on Murray's door.

"What's up?" The boss's voice, slightly hoarse, filtered through the door.

Maurice looked down, "Mr. Sherwood, the golf game with Mr. Sanford this afternoon..."

"Cancel it."

"Got it." Maurice wasn't surprised by the response.

After all, it was Ms. Cole!

The woman Mr. Sherwood had pined for, constantly thought about, and missed every single day!

With her here, who else would matter?

Inside the office

"Have a seat." Murray pulled out a chair for her, then offered attentively, "Something to drink?"

"No, thanks. Let's get down to business."

"Alright." He sat across from her, his gaze intensely yet restrainedly fixed on her face.

"I came today because..."

"Anne, how have you been? I heard your grad program at Kingswell University is pretty intense. Keeping up alright?"

This "heard came from Hertha

et

Sherwood, who complained about

having too many classes, leaving no time for meals, socializing, on shopping.

Roseanne, needing a favor, patiently responded, "I'm managing."

Without elaborating further, she tried steering the conversation back on track: Tm here about the land

Veline

transfer agreement we had when we split-"

Murray cut in again: "Have you had lunch? I haven't. I'm starving. There's this diner you used to love nearby. How

Out we talk over lunchContent from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

After pondering for a moment, Roseanne agreed.

Murray, seemingly impulsive, made the arrangements, even calling Maurice mid-way to cancel the evening's plans as well. At the diner, he sliced her steak and swapped their plates, just like old times.