Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Having trouble finding a parking spot? Let me go help..."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Whoops! Cliff finally realized, noticing the displeased expression on Murray's face. "Ahem! Murray, Roseanne hasn't come back yet, has she?"

It had been over three hours.

Murray spread his hands and shrugged. "Come back? You think breaking up is a joke?"

With that, he walked past Cliff and sat on the couch.

Cliff scratched his head. Could it be? But soon enough, he shook his head, feeling he was overthinking it. If anyone could make a clean break, it was Murray, but not Roseanne. Of all the women who might agree to a breakup, Roseanne wouldn't. That was a well-known fact in their circle.

"Murray, why are you alone?" Never one to avoid stirring the pot, York Gibson folded his arms with a smirk. "You bet three hours, and now it's been a whole day."

Murray smirked, "A bet's a bet. What's the penalty?"

York raised an eyebrow, "Let's switch it up today. No drinking."

Murray was stunned to hear that.

York challenged, "I dare you to call Anne and say in the sweetest voice. 'I'm sorry. I was wrong. I love you.""

Laughter erupted around them.

Cliff couldn't resist and snatched Murray's phone to dial Roseanne.

After a few rings, "Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."

'Is Roseanne blocking me?' A hint of surprise flashed across Murray's face.

The laughter around them gradually faded as everyone exchanged puzzled looks.

Cliff immediately hung up, returning the phone while trying to cover, "Or, maybe Roseanne is unavailable. Roseanne is blocking Murray, huh? Only if the pig can fly." Even Cliff felt awkward by the end of his sentence.

York pondered. "Maybe Anne's serious this time."

Murray scoffed, "Breakups are real. Are they supposed to be fake? I'm not playing this game a second time. Mention Roseanne again, and you're no brother of mine."

York's eyes narrowed, and after a moment, he said, "Just don't regret it."

Murray's lips curled in disdain. He never regretted his actions.

Seeing the tension, Corley Sullivan quickly tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, let's lighten up, everyone. We're all buddies here..."

...

It was 7 am. Leda finished her morning run and entered the house, immediately greeted by the aroma of breakfast.

Holding a steaming bowl of oatmeal, Roseanne emerged from the kitchen in a houndstooth dress that showcased her slim and straight legs. Even without makeup, she was stunningly beautiful. "Go shower. Breakfast is ready when you are."

Surprised, Leda remarked, "A new hairstyle? Brown, straight, and in a high ponytail? All dolled up, and you are planning to go back? Or is Murray coming to pick you up?"

Roseanne rolled her eyes at Leda. "Oh, please. Can't you wish me well for once?"

"If Murray's coming over, isn't that wishing you well?" Leda approached the breakfast table, amazed by the spread.

"Go take a shower," Roseanne swatted away her hand. "You smell bad."

Leda protested, "What about double standards? You never hit Murray when he does that."

Roseanne looked calm. "Hmm, next time, if there's a chance, I will."

"Yeah, right..." After Leda showered, Roseanne was already leaving with a lunchbox. "Tsk, making breakfast for me and still remembers to pack something for her man. Talk about priorities..."

A voice sounded in a private room at Serenity Health Hospital. "Madeleine, how are you feeling today?" Madeleine set aside her paper and adjusted her reading glasses. "Hans? What are you doing here?"

"Easy, don't move," Hans Olson quickly propped a pillow behind her. "Your stitches haven't healed yet."

Madeleine sighed. "Appendicitis, minor surgery. Recovery's just slower 'cause of my age, so they're keeping me here longer. Oh, by the way, have they posted this year's grad program admission quotas yet?" Hans nodded immediately. "Yes, you get three slots, and I get four."

"Three, huh..." Madeleine muttered.

"What, were you planning on taking only two again this year?" Hans was curious.