Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed
Chapter 125

When the shopkeeper saw Roseanne, he could tell she was from Faeland. When encountering someone from his homeland, his demeanor instantly grew warmer. "You've got a good eye, young lady. I've handcrafted these sculptures myself. They'd make perfect gifts to take back home."

With a smile, Roseanne inquired about the price before saying, "Okay, could you pack them up for me?"

"You got it!" the shopkeeper said while packaging the sculptures and slipping a postcard into the bag. "If there's anything you want to say but can't, write it down here."

Roseanne pursed her lips, thinking it unnecessary as she had nothing she couldn't express, but it seemed rude to refuse a gift.

Back at her hotel room, and after a shower, Roseanne noticed the gift bag on the table. She pulled out the postcard, which featured a stunning seascape of Maldor Beach, and tossed it onto the table. It was of no use to her anyway.

...

The following morning, Corley went to the restaurant right on time, only to replace no sign of Roseanne. Only Leda was there, having her breakfast alone, a cup and a salad on the table.

"Good morning, Mr. Sullivan!" Leda greeted him with a smile, having noticed him circling the place thrice. "Looking for someone to have breakfast with?"

Raising an eyebrow, Corley pulled a chair and sat across from her. "Morning, Ms. Reynolds."

"Morning."

Corley glanced at her cup. "That milk looks good."

Leda corrected him. "This is coffee."

An awkward silence ensued.

Leda sipped it and asked, "Is there something you wanted to say, Mr. Sullivan?"

Dropping the act, Corley got straight to the point. "Where's Roseanne? I haven't seen her."

Leda asked him back, "Looking for her for something special?"

"Can't I see her without a reason?" Corley's patience wore thin.

Leda couldn't help but laugh. "Are all you finance guys this free toward the year-end?"

She had sensed something was off since Corley showed up on the island. His constant attempts to start conversations and show interest in Anne were too obvious. His intentions were loud and clear! Corley replied, "Not free. Very busy."

"Then why take a vacation?"

"Because someone I wanted to see is here."

As the conversation turned serious, Leda put down her fork, her smile fading. "What are your true intentions with Anne? If I'm not mistaken, you and Murray were like brothers, right?"

"Fair lady, fine gentleman. The intentions are too numerous and complicated to explain," Corley said cryptically.

Leda was silent.

Corley admitted, "Murray and I fell out."

Leda nodded, "I can see that. Is it because of Anne?"

Corley was silent. His silence was more like admission.

Leda burst into laughter. "Serves him right! That jerk Murray had it coming!"

Corley was puzzled by her reaction. "Seriously?"

After her laughter subsided, Leda finished her coffee, wiped her mouth, and said, "Okay, I understand. Then, I wish you success in winning the lady's heart?" "Thanks for the good words," Corley nodded slightly.

"I'll leave you to your meal then," Leda said as she stood up.

Corley urged, "Wait. You haven't told me where the 'lady' is."

Leda checked her watch. "At this time, she's probably... boarding a plane?"

Corley was stunned. Little did he know, Roseanne's solution was to return home.

"There's only so long you can play the thief before getting caught, right? If this island's vibe doesn't match mine, it's back home for me!"