Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Under his influence, Roseanne found herself becoming significantly more productive.

By mid-morning, they had breezed through two sets of problems.

While reviewing her work, Carlisle was astonished to see Roseanne had achieved a staggering 95% accuracy rate on both sets.

Hearing Roseanne had only recently picked up her studies again after a three-year hiatus made her performance all the more impressive. No wonder Madeleine held her in such high regard. Oblivious to Carlisle's thoughts, Roseanne excused herself to the restroom.

Millie saw her leave and quickly followed. "Wait up."

Roseanne turned around, unsurprised by her presence. "What's up?"

"Last night, I dropped off some oatmeal at his place, and he loved it. He ate it all." Millie couldn't help but smile, revealing dimples. "Not only that, but Murray asked me to stay the night."

"I never knew he had such a wild and irresistible side. He kept me up all night." Millie deliberately said in innuendos, her eyes fluttering shyly, embodying the image of someone thoroughly charmed and a little overwhelmed.

A pang of jealousy hit Roseanne hard, making it difficult to breathe.

"Jealous?" Millie whispered, leaning in close. "Regret, huh? Too bad that you've missed your chance."

Suddenly, Roseanne flashed a smile, locking eyes with Millie, and said deliberately. "How do you know he hasn't done this with anyone but you?"

Millie turned pale as Roseanne spoke without emotion, "Maybe you're just one of many. Definitely not the last."

Ignoring Millie's ugly expression, Roseanne walked away.

Finishing the last problem, Carlisle realized Roseanne's seat had been empty for a while. He was about to text her when he saw her return.

Noticing her pale face, he grew concerned. "Are you alright? Feeling unwell?"

Roseanne forced a shake of her head. "I'm fine, just a bit stuffy in here. Let's keep going."

Carlisle agreed, "Okay."

By five in the afternoon, their study session ended.

Recalling the missed dinner opportunity, Carlisle suggested, "There's a new steakhouse nearby that's got great reviews. Want to check it out? My treat."

Roseanne stood there, her mind miles away. Though it wasn't evident to others, she was distracted.

Hearing Carlisle's offer, she could only decline apologetically. "I'm sorry. I'm not feeling well today. Maybe some other time."

Carlisle didn't mind. "Sure, we'll plan for another time."

...

After she returned home, Roseanne collapsed on the couch, feeling all her energy sapped away.

The fish in the aquarium she had kept for a while now seemed bigger, bubbling away. Watching them swim lazily, Roseanne slowly drifted off to sleep.

She woke up later, only to find it was all dark outside. Glancing at her phone, it was already 8 PM. No wonder she woke up hungry.

Slipping into her slippers, she made

something to eat but then

remembered her fridge was empty due to her recent busy schedule. She had planned to go grocery- shopping but had forgotten. The supermarket was still open at this hour. The vegetable selection was slim, but the seafood section had fresh options.

Opting for a codfish, craving a flavor, she also headed to the condiments aisle. Just as she was about to grab a jar of pickles, her hand brushed against a warm one.