Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Some photos were of Leda, freshly off the rollercoaster, looking like she'd dodged a bullet. The sight was so hilarious that she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Scrolling to the end, she was about to lock her phone when she noticed two familiar figures in the background of her selfie. Her lips pursed slightly, realizing she'd accidentally caught Millie and Murray in the frame.

She was the star in the photo, and the others were mere background extras. Yet, how those two held hands made it seem like she was the intruder in their world.

...

"Sadie, Sadie!" Murray clutched his stomach, pale as a ghost, calling out twice.

But the mansion was eerily silent. There was no response.

He'd woken up early in agony. Waves of pain rolled from his stomach, leaving him cold and nauseous, but nothing came out when he tried to throw up. It was a familiar pain, his stomach ulcer acting up again. Remembering he had antacids in the house, Murray rummaged through the cabinets only to find an empty box.

Bearing the pain, he called his assistant. "Bring some antacids to the mansion, will you?"

Sensing urgency, the assistant rushed to the pharmacy and drove to the mansion, finding Murray pale and silent on the couch, sweating bullets.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Mr. Sherwood, your medication."

Murray took the pills and water and gulped them down immediately.

The assistant asked with concern, "Do you need anything to eat?"

Murray waved him off. "Just go."

Relieved, the assistant left quietly.

However, less than an hour later, Murray was on the phone again.

"What kind of antacids did you get? They're not working at all. How hard can it be to pick the right ones? Can't you read or see?" Murray tried to keep his temper in check, but the unrelenting pain made it difficult.

Noticing the medication wasn't his usual brand, he realized why it was ineffective.

"Sorry, Mr. Sherwood. I didn't check. Which brand do you need?"

Murray stared at the box, his mind e going blank. Roseanne used to take care of this. He had no idea about brands or manufacturers. Her choices always worked immediately.

Hanging up, frustrated, he dialed Roseanne's number. "Sorry, the number you are calling is currently busy..."

His face darkened, remembering Roseanne had blocked him. Then, the sound of the door opening. Sadie was back from grocery shopping.

Murray disliked strangers in his home, so she had fixed times for her duties.

Seeing her, he approached, "Sadie, your phone?"

Startled by his ghastly appearance, she asked, "Mr. Sherwood, what's wrong with you?"

Irritated, Murray snapped, "Just give me your phone. I need to make a call."

Dialing without a second thought, the familiar number connected quickly.

"Hello? Sadje?" Her voice was clear and calm and before the call, ē Murray had a barrage of questions and accusations. But stuck in his throat, he could only muster My stomach's acting up."