Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Back when they had just started dating, it was clear that Roseanne wasn't yet accustomed to the idea of having a boyfriend.

Murray was initially seething with frustration. As someone who had always been waited on hand and foot, the concept of waiting for someone else was foreign to him. Yet, the moment he saw the apologetic look on her face, her continuous murmurs of "I'm so sorry," his anger dissipated as if it had never been there.

With a sizzle, it was extinguished entirely.

"... You're always so busy. After that, whenever we planned dates, I'd arrive early, order our meal, and wait for you. The longest wait was when Ms. Payne took you to a conference. They changed the schedule last-minute, and it ended two hours later than planned. By the time you arrived at the restaurant, they were nearly closing."

Roseanne remained stoic, but her gaze shifted slightly.

That was their first real argument.

It ended with Murray being the first to soften and apologize.

"And then there was the time you and Ms. Payne went off to the Northwest for fieldwork. It was so sudden, you didn't even tell me. I foolishly waited at the school gates for you, all morning, but you never showed..."

Murray had a lot to say, but Roseanne kept silent throughout.

"...Anne, do you remember any of this?"

"The past is blurry to me now."From NôvelDrama.Org.

Murray wasn't deterred by her cold demeanor; instead, he smiled, "It's alright, you'll remember."

How could she easily forget experiences they had shared? She was probably just pretending, unwilling to admit it.

Thirty minutes later, they pulled up to a vineyard in the countryside.

"Let's get out, Anne," Murray said, offering his hand.

Roseanne ignored him and got out on her own, standing firm.

Undisturbed, Murray laughed and looked at the vineyard, "Remember this place?"

She wanted to forget, but her memory was too sharp.

This vineyard was actually a winery, lost by York to Murray in a bet.

York loved the hustle and bustle, had no interest in vacations. If he had any free time, he'd rather spend it throwing a party or organizing a game night with Cliff than visiting such a secluded place.

But Roseanne fell in love with it at first sight.

Away from the urban chaos, even the wind tasted of freedom.

Past the doors were mountains, and in front of the mountains, a stream.

The water was clear, with fish visible within.

It had the essence of a hidden retreat.

The only downside was the neglected garden in the vineyard, left unattended and overgrown due to the absence of the owner.

During the summer of her senior year, Murray had to go to France for a month. She took the keys and decided to stay at the vineyard alone. That stay extended to almost half a month.

During that time, her phone

accidentally felt into the stream and broke. Roseanne, not wanting to make a trip to the city just for a new phone, decided to order one online. It was supposed to arrive the next day, but due to a landslide caused by heavy rain, the delivery was delayed, and it took two more days for her phone to arrive.

Those four days without a phone drove Murray to the brink of insanity.

In his own words-

He nearly turned Lumina upside down looking for her.

When she finally got her phone, inserted the SIM card, and called him back, trying to explain and calm him down, Murray, seemingly in retaliation, wouldn't answer her calls or reply to her messages.

Roseanne was baffled.

It wasn't like she did it on purpose, and she had explained herself clearly. Moreover, just a few days ago, they had talked, and he mentioned staying in France for an additional two weeks.

Roseanne had no objections.

She enjoyed her solitude at the vineyard, living freely and comfortably.

Little did she know...