Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Even though they had crossed paths a few times around campus, Murray never felt they were at that stage where starting a conversation felt natural. However, Grace didn't share the same sentiment. With an ease that took Murray by surprise, she asked, "Everything okay with you? Noticed you were sitting by the school gates for quite a while yesterday. Didn't catch a cold, did you?"

Murray remained silent, showing no desire to engage in conversation.

But Grace didn't mind and continued on her own, "Came for the coffee, huh? This place makes a mean cup, way better than any other coffee joint around here. I've tried a few of their brews. The one you've got there must be their signature iced Americano, right? It's rich and aromatic but with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Goes perfectly with a slice of cheesecake, makes the flavor pop."

Listening to her soft, pleasant voice and observing the playful glint in her eyes, a subtle smirk began to form on Murray's lips.

Feeling his gaze, Grace's skin crawled, yet she maintained her smile. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?" she asked, brushing her hands over her face.

Suddenly, Murray spoke up, "Are you into me or something?"

He had seen that look in many women's eyes before. Despite her attempts to play it cool, her interest was transparent to Murray. Caught off guard by his directness, Grace's face flushed, and her voice turned into a whisper, "Is it...that obvious? You could tell?" Her admission was straightforward!

Murray had encountered plenty of women before - the beautiful, the charming - you name it. His interest started to wane.

Casually caressing the rim of his coffee cup, his tone carried an almost indifferent calm, "Then you should know, I've already got someone I like."

Grace wasn't surprised. In fact, she nodded, "I know, and I've known for a while. Roseanne is a classmate of mine. We're in the same grad program." Murray paused, then laughed, "Classmate, huh?"

Grace observed the slight curl of his lips, paired with that mischievous look in his eyes, feeling an undeniable pull towards him.

His voice filled the air once more, "Would you do me a favor?"

Caught off guard, Grace asked, "What favor?"

Murray enunciated every word, "Pretend to be my girlfriend."

He was aware of how defensively Roseanne guarded herself against him, how deep her grievances ran. Only by showing her he had moved on completely, loving someone else, could she potentially lower her guard and accept him back, even if just as a friend. noveldrama

Grace felt her heart racing.

His proposal was like a whisper from a tempter, drawing out her deepest desires.

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She harbored a sliver of hope and joy, yet those feelings submerged the moment she caught the indifference and calculation i Murray's eyes.

Sharp as she was, Grace almost immediately figured out Murray's intentions. She was merely a pawn in his quest to win back Roseanne, nothing but a stepping stone

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Stirring his coffee nonchalantly, Murray added, "You help me out, and in return, I'll support you financially."

She fell silent.

"Of course, if you're not up for it, just pretend I never asked."