Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Before Owen could utter a word, Roseanne glanced over the table, found a clean plate, and picked up a small piece of her peach pie with her fork, placing them before him. "Try this?"

Owen hesitated before picking it up and slowly chewing it in his mouth.

Roseanne blinked. "Well? How is it?"

Seeing her hopeful look, Owen nodded. "It tastes good."

Roseanne beamed. "See? My recommendations never disappoint."

Owen couldn't help but laugh along.

...

Cliff interrupted, "Hey, Corley, your birthday's coming, huh? What's the plan this year? Go-kart racing, a drag queen show, or go big with a wild striptease party?"

York immediately approved. "Love that idea."

Their inquisitive gazes turned to the man of the hour, Corley. When it came to having fun, he was the most inventive of the trio. Some might look all prim and proper in a suit and tie, but they were wilder than anyone.

"Let's keep it simple with a birthday bash this year."

Cliff was puzzled. York was even more bewildered.

Corley asked, "What? Is there a problem?"

"It's just this doesn't sound like you, Corley." Cliff eyed him up and down. "Are you feeling okay today?"

York couldn't resist a smirk. "A birthday bash? What are you, turning into my grandpa?"

In this day and age, who would still do birthday bashes?

"Wait a minute." Cliff's eyes lit up. "Is it the naughty kind?"

York sat up straight, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Corley replied, "What are you thinking? The regular kind. I've booked a private mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Invitations will be out in a few days." With that, he stood up and left.

Cliff and York exchanged glances, both looking confused. They wondered what was wrong with Corley.

...

Roseanne was somewhat surprised to receive a call from Corley and even more so when he invited her to his birthday party. "Me?"

"Yes."

Roseanne frowned. Corley's parties always drew people like Murray, and she really wasn't eager to run into him.

"No outsiders, just friends hanging

out. Cliff will be there, too. Won't you

come?

Corley noticed her hesitation

and raised an eyebrow. "Or are you afraid of something?"

Roseanne held the phone, silent.

"You and Murray are over, and he seems happy with his new girlfriend. Are you afraid because you're not over him?"

Roseanne slightly frowned. "Of course not. We've made things clear and cut ties."

Corley smiled. "In that case, there's nothing to worry about. I'll send you the address. Don't forget to come."

With that, he hung up without waiting for her response.

...

On the day of the party, the mansion was bustling with excitement.

Murray arrived fashionably late with

Millie. After shedding their color ne

Millie

Vanded them to a waiter

linked arms with him as they stepped through the main entrance. en.swhovels.net

Properties on Sunset Boulevard were worth their weight in gold, and Corley's sprawling estate was only available through family

.nět

connections. The estate's design and decoration were renowned

artists' works, with a divine brought

in for good measure.

Passing through a rockery and the backyard, they finally reached the guest area. Upon entering, Murray greeted Corley first.

"Happy Birthday," he said, tossing a set of keys to him. It was for the yacht Corley had mentioned wanting. Knowing his love for the sea, Murray had bought one as a gift. Corley thanked him. "Much appreciated."

Murray was about to add more when his gaze shifted, suddenly catching sight of a familiar figure.