Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Aaron couldn't stand the thought of her walking away. "All these years, Murray's treated you like some prized trophy, keeping you locked away at home, making it damn near impossible for anyone else to even

glimpse you."

Roseanne looked up, her smile fading slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

Aaron took a deep breath. "Back in the day, you turned us down but ended up with him because he wouldn't give up, always the more persistent one. But did you ever stop and think that his persistence was more about winning the game than about you?"

Roseanne felt her already shattered heart torn apart again. Was what she considered deep affection merely a momentary passion, a desire to compete and win?

Seeing her face turn pale, a flicker of sympathy crossed Aaron's eyes.

He reached out, trying to touch her face, but Roseanne stepped back, putting distance between them. "Mr. Lincoln, please keep your distance."

Aaron leaned in closer. "Stop pretending. I know things are done between you and Murray."

"And what about it?" Roseanne asked, lifting her gaze with a smile.

"Anne, be with me. I'll cherish you and protect you more than Murray ever could. Whatever you want, I'll do everything I can to give it to you as long as you're with me..." Whether it was six years ago or today, Aaron's heart still raced at the sight of her. He knew he had never moved on.

Roseanne laughed. "Jumping from one mess into another? Mr. Lincoln, it was nice seeing you today. But from now on, it's best if we part ways."Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

With that, she turned and walked away.

Neither Murray nor Aaron was someone she wanted to deal with right then. And they'd both do well to stay away from her.

Aaron watched her slim figure disappear, a shadow crossing his gaze.

Suddenly, he sighed, whispering with a slight chuckle. "Anne, the tree desires calm, but the wind will not cease. Do you think you can escape?" Unbeknownst to them, someone had witnessed the entire scene. York checked the photo he had taken, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.

Corley was also there, stepping out for some fresh air, when he spotted York with his phone, grinning like a cat that got the cream. "What's with that disgusting smile?"

York wasn't bothered by his tone, lifting his phone with pride and waving it before him.

With his sharp eyes, Corley glanced at the photo and instantly recognized the people in it. "Roseanne?"

"Yep." York nodded, his face alight with the thrill of gossip. "Not just her, but Aaron too. I've already sent it to Murray."

They had witnessed the drama of two men vying for one woman's affection with their own eyes, recalling how crazed Murray had been back then.

Corley's gaze darkened. "Aaron jumps in immediately after their breakup. And judging by Roseanne's reaction," He paused, his tone taking on a meaningful edge, "It seems Roseanne is playing for keeps this time."

"No, Roseanne's not got it in her to leave Murray for good. Just watch. They can't split up. To put it more accurately, she can't leave Murray."

Corley asked, "And you sent him the photo because?"

York shrugged it off. "Just for kicks and to stir the pot a bit. What's the harm in that?"

Corley raised an eyebrow. "Just don't overdo it, or you might end up losing friends over a prank."

York said proudly, "I'm just capturing a moment. That's all. And considering how Murray's been with Roseanne, an ex-girlfriend won't break anything. You've got to admit this photo captures the mood perfectly, right?"

Corley's gaze lingered on the beautiful profile of the woman in the photo. "You're right. An ex chasing someone else is pretty normal..."