Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Upon hearing the noise, Cliff dashed to the door to greet whoever was coming.

In a flash, there stood Murray, arm in arm with Millie.

'Hold on a minute!' Cliff let out a sharp hiss.

With a calm face, Murray greeted, "Cliff."

"Hey, Murray's here. Take a seat. Come on." Cliff hurried to welcome them, pouring drinks and offering snacks.

Later on, seizing the moment when Millie stepped away to the restroom, Cliff couldn't help but burst out, "Dude, what's going on? Weren't you two over? Why'd you bring her here?"

After a few drinks, Murray's gaze turned hazy. "She's young. Give it some time. She might not be able to accept it just yet."

Cliff felt a twinge of frustration. 'Still young? She's in college, for crying out loud! Murray's playing the fool here!'

Cliff asked, "And what about Roseanne? You're not planning to win her back?"

If that were the case, Corley would be over the moon.

Mentioning Roseanne, a pang hit Murray's heart. "Who said so?"

"So, what's this then?" He glanced toward the direction Millie had left. "Playing both sides?"

Murray sipped his drink. "Don't rush it. Once I've settled things with Millie, I'll do my best to make things right with Anne."

Cliff bit his lip. He wanted to tell Murray that opportunities wouldn't wait and that Roseanne might have moved on by the time Murray had sorted the mess with Millie.

But seeing how determined Murray was, Cliff decided to keep quiet, not wanting to rock the boat.

The party didn't wrap up until the early hours.

Half-drunk, Cliff managed to sign the bill and got held into his car by the club's staff.

A designated driver was already in place, ensuring everyone got home safely.

York was okay, not much to drink,

but smoked too many, carrying at

lingering scent. He had extended his stay at a nearby luxury hotel

planning to head there.

As for Murray and Millie, they stood by the roadside waiting for their ride.

Attempting to be affectionate, Millie snuggled up to Murray's sturdy arm, looking the part of a woman indove. "Babe, it's so late. How aboutwe head back to your place?"

Her implication was clear that she was willing to stay the night.

But Murray remained silent. After several seconds, he suggested, "You have class tomorrow. I'd better drop you off at your dorm."

Millie's smile tightened, disappointment flashing in her eyes, but her words were compliant, "Okay, your call."

Murray's expression softened.

After ensuring Millie reached the gate of Grandstone Institute, he watched her disappear into the building before turning away. The driver inquired, "Mr. Sherwood, where to next?"

Murray looked out the window, opened the door, and stepped out, "Drive the car back for me. I'll take a walk around here."

While wandering, he arrived at the gates of Kingswell University, a place all too familiar. To win Roseanne over, he had spent countless hours waiting there.

Sometimes, a mere fifteen minutes

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would suffice to see her. Other

times, half a day or more was not always with success. Yet, he never tired of it or found it bothersome. en.swhovels.net

Reaching a narrow alley that led to Roseanne's current residence, Murray didn't hesitate and went straight up.

The path was so dark and strewn with debris that Murray tripped over beer bottles and trash multiple times.

Bearing the foul smell, he finally stood before that familiar door.

Knock! "Anne, it's me."