Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne checked the fridge when she got home, noticing a good amount of groceries left from the day before. She planned a hearty meal with beef stew, barbecue fish, prime ribs, and green beans. Her deft movements in washing and chopping the food were a revelation to Carlisle, who was utterly clueless in the kitchen.

"It seems most people these days order takeout or eat out. Finding someone who prefers cooking their meals is becoming rarer," he commented.

Roseanne offered a slight smile in response. "Everyone has their way of living. I happen to enjoy cooking for myself."

Carlisle watched her bustling about, taking in the surroundings. The apartment was small but meticulously tidy and thoughtfully decorated.

A small bookshelf in the living room caught his eye, filled with professional literature, among which a physics book oddly stood out.

He thought it was a bit rude to closely examine a lady's personal space, so he stopped looking around.

Soon, dinner was ready, filling the room with delicious aromas.

Carlisle was stunned after trying the prime ribs, his eyes widening in shock. "This is amazing. You're skilled in the kitchen." Having been accustomed to the heavy flavors of fast food, he found the dishes Roseanne cooked to be a delightful surprise. "Heavenly," he thought to himself.

Roseanne chuckled at his exaggerated expression. "If you like it, feel free to have more."

Carlisle nodded, "Thanks so much for the dinner." He added shyly, his eyelashes fluttering, "With your cooking skills and being such a wonderful person, anyone dating you would be lucky." Before Roseanne could reply, a loud knocking interrupted them.

She frowned, setting her fork down. "Excuse me for a moment. I'll see what that's about."

When Roseanne opened the door, Hertha began dragging her outside without a word. Roseanne was bewildered.

Hertha fumed, "Come on, we must go to the hospital. Murray's sick, and he needs you."

Roseanne didn't budge, her gaze dropping. "We've broken up. His matters don't concern me anymore."

Hertha couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Murray's got a perforated ulcer, and you're still holding a grudge till now? Do you even have a heart?"

"Weren't you in love with him? Is this how you show your love? You know Murray didn't mean it when he suggested breaking up. You took it seriously, and now, you're stubborn, blaming him for not pampering you."

"During these six years, in what way did he not treat you well? Living in a mansion, wearing designer clothes, picking any jewelry you wanted, using a black card whenever you felt like it..."

Hertha rattled off these luxuries, her envy clearly showing. She didn't even have a black card.

"And to think I used to speak well of you. All I'm asking is for you to visit Murray in the hospital, and even that's too much to ask?"

Roseanne's expression remained indifferent, and her tone was even, "Yes, it's too much to ask. You can leave now."

"Fine," Hertha laughed bitterly. "Just remember what you've said today. 1 hope you keep this attitude and

don't come back crying, begging my brother to take you back!"

With that, she slammed the door and stormed off.

As Hertha's footsteps faded, Roseanne's grip on the door handle tightened momentarily.

"Um, are you okay?" Carlisle asked awkwardly, having caught bits and pieces of the argument from inside.

Roseanne closed the door, turning back with a smile. "I'm fine. Let's get back to dinner."

He noticed her calm demeanor, sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere.