Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed
Chapter 30

Noticing Murray's silence, he took the initiative to break the ice. "I've heard good things about this restaurant. They say it's got the real deal, an authentic and diverse menu. Anything you're craving, Murray?" Murray was indifferent. "Your pick is fine."

Since they left the jewelry store, Murray had been fiddling with his lighter, seemingly lost in thought.

Remembering how Roseanne didn't even spare him a glance and walked past him as if he was invisible, it was hard for Murray to relax his frown.

'Treating me like thin air? And why, after moving out from Leda's place, hasn't she come home? How much longer is she planning to drag this out?' His thoughts were a tangled mess as he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

Cliff chose the classic comfort food, like beef steaks, reindeer sausages, lobster mac and cheese, and a must-have vegetable salad.

As the dishes were served, their aroma filled the air. Cliff, starving by then, couldn't wait to dive in. Taking a bite, he nodded in approval. The taste was genuinely good.

He looked at Murray but noticed his friend was barely eating. His movements were slow and without any sign of enjoyment.

"Murray, still hung up on what happened earlier? I think Roseanne is probably still fuming. Give it some time, and she might cool down," Cliff speculated, pausing as a thought struck him. "Besides, breaking up with her before all those people the other day was a hit to her pride. It might take a while for her to get over it. Give her a few days, then try sweet-talking her."

Murray's expression hardened. "Who said I was thinking about her? Just eat your food."

"Okay." Cliff thought, noting his friend's denial.

Suddenly, Murray's phone vibrated.

He tapped the screen, and a photo popped up. A woman stood sideways while a man reached out, about to touch her face with love and affection. The resolution was terrible, even a bit blurry, but he instantly recognized the woman as Roseanne and the man as Aaron! Murray's eyes turned icy in a moment.

Seeing his reaction, Cliff felt a sinking feeling. "Murray, what's wrong?"

Murray slammed the phone on the table, his voice cold. "So much for cooling down, huh? It seems she's gotten too bold for her good!"

She was going after Aaron again!

Cliff blinked, glimpsing the photo on the phone, and winced.

Aaron was crossing the line, knowing Roseanne was upset and deliberately choosing this moment to make a move, adding fuel to the fire.

"Huh," Murray sneered coldly, "Leaving me has lowered her standards, falling for someone like Aaron."

Did she think he would care?

Unaware and uncaring of the outside world's drama, Roseanne's life was all about study, monotonous yet fulfilling and peaceful.

Her routine was simple, from her rental to the library and back, occasionally cooking herself a nice meal and sharing it with her neighbor, who often worked late. Though materially less than before, stepping out of that mansion felt like breathing in freedom. "Anne, studying again?" Leda's daily call was as punctual as ever.

"Yeah." Roseanne moved to a corner, speaking softly to avoid disturbing others.

"It's Friday. Let's go out for dinner?"

"But..."

Leda cut her off immediately. "No buts. Why can't you relax a bit? Besides, it's important to balance work and rest. Don't bury yourself in books." "Okay."

They agreed to meet at a new restaurant.