Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

As Murray approached, he noticed Roseanne had her beautiful, wavy hair straightened.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

She was not wearing makeup or high heels, just a plain white T-shirt. Utterly simple. But those eyes seemed brighter than before, showing no signs of heartbreak or gloom.

If it was an act, Murray had to admit she was doing a damn good job. It was so good that it was getting under his skin.

Roseanne frowned, knowing him too well. That look was a sure sign of brewing anger.

"Huh," Murray scoffed, "Really, after all these years with me, you should've picked up some standards. Don't just go for anyone-it makes me, your ex, look bad. Where's my dignity in that?" "Dignity?" Roseanne couldn't help but laugh, though her laughter carried a tinge of melancholy.

It was too bad that Murray didn't catch it. His mind was all about the images of Roseanne smiling at other men, making his blood boil. He chalked it up to a male's "territorial instinct." Roseanne was his territory once, and even if he didn't want her anymore, he wouldn't allow those lowlifes to have her.

"I've got things to do. I'm leaving." Roseanne didn't want to hear him anymore.

"Leaving? Where to? Leda's apartment? It seems like that's your only refuge now, though you've got the nerve to have taken your checkbook and ID with you this time. Playing hard to get, huh?"

That was a sting in Roseanne's heart. She was used to Murray's temper and his mood swings, but those words still stung. He thought she was playing games?

Roseanne took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions, then forced a smile. "First off, Mr. Reynolds and I are just friends, nothing like what you think. And we've broken up. What you think is your business." Just then, her taxi arrived. Roseanne opened the door and got in. "Please drive."

Murray snorted, impressed by Roseanne's newfound boldness. During their argument three months ago, she hadn't threatened him like that. But then, she dared to bring another man before him, huh? Suddenly, a pair of soft hands clung to his arm, and Hannah leaned in close, her perfume overwhelming. "Murray, why the rush? You're not even waiting for me..."

Despite finding the scent too strong, Murray didn't push her away but wrapped his arm around her waist. "What? You want to come with me?"

If Roseanne could find another man, couldn't he find another woman?

In the taxi, Roseanne glimpsed the intimate pair in the rearview mirror and couldn't help but smirk bitterly.

So, Millie wasn't his only woman.

Six years was all for nothing.

As the taxi drove away, Murray's expression darkened. He coldly removed Hannah's hand.

Confused, Hannah tried to get closer but got harshly pushed away as Murray walked off without looking back.

"Wait, Murray! Murray, stop!"

Frustrated, Hannah bit her lip.

Murray got into his car, started the engine, and called Hertha.

Hertha picked up the call. "Murray? Weren't you on a date?"

Through gritted teeth, Murray said, "Did you tell Roseanne about me being at Thyme & Seasons today? Can't you keep things to yourself? Why'd you have to tell her, letting her bring some guy to get to me? Can't you think for once, always messing things up?"