Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Grace knew the stakes. The moment she agreed, their relationship would become transactional, a far cry from what she truly desired. Yet, rejecting the offer could mean losing her only chance to get closer to him. She was certain he wouldn't hesitate to walk away without a backward glance. "...Okay, I agree," she said, forcing a casual laugh. "It's all make-believe anyway. If anything, I'm coming out ahead."

It was pretend for now, but who could predict the future? All she needed was time.

Murray's gaze was lowered, his expression unreadable. "Fine. I'll have my assistant draft a contract. Just sign it and we'll be set."

Putting it in black and white would prevent any disputes, a lesson he'd learned the hard way from Millie.

Grace nodded with a smile, though inside, her heart sank. It was clear he wanted to keep their relationship strictly professional and was wary of any emotional entanglements.

"Now, can we exchange numbers? It'll make communication easier," Grace said, pulling out her phone openly.

Murray hummed in agreement, scanned her QR code, and sent a request.

Grace accepted immediately, noticing his profile picture was a serene landscape of a river and a lone boat amidst a light fog.

"Funny, your picture has water, and mine's of clouds."

Murray replied, "What's so funny about water and clouds?"

Grace paused. "...Well, they're both part of nature."

Murray corrected her, "My picture isn't of water."

"Oh?"

"It's of rain."

Grace chuckled awkwardly. "Right... didn't catch that at first..."

Murray caressed the landscape on his profile picture. "In spring, the waters are as blue as the sky, listening to Roseanne by the painted boat." Grace's smile wavered.

"By the way, I don't know your name yet... Here, I'll send you mine," Grace said, sending her contact info.

But Murray had already pocketed his phone, succinctly stating, "Murray."

Grace opened her mouth to say more, but he was already on his feet, ready to leave. After a few steps, he turned back as if remembering something.

"To ensure our cooperation remains stable, I need to remind you of something."

Grace looked up at him. "...What's that?"

Murray was

our notionless. "During

our contract, we're merely partners, nothing personal. I have someone

I'm fond of, and I'm not interested in

you. You seem smart, some

"Don't fall for me. It won't end well. Apart from Roseanne, there's no one else for me in this life."

His voice was as cold and distant as a winter rain, chilling to the core.

It was Sunday. After receiving the consent form signed by Murray himself, Roseanne couldn't directly proceed with the necessary formalities and had to return home.

Swne

Just as she reached her block-

"Professor? Out for a run again?"

Owen Reynolds had also gone for a run the previous evening.

When Murray had dropped her off, they'd just entered her block when

they saw Owen in his sp whoret Owen in his spots Real s

drenched in sweat. Content Belongs to

His first question had been-

"Are you okay?"

Roseanne was taken aback. "Why do you ask?"

Did she seem unwell?

But Owen only smiled, giving her a once-over without answering.

"Care for a couple of laps together?" he invited.

Roseanne pointed upstairs, "Let me change into something more suitable. See you in a bit."

"Sure."

It was unexpected that, after last night's run, Owen was out again this morning. Roseanne blinked. "Professor, are you training for a marathon or something?" "No," Owen Reynolds shook his head, dispelling her curiosity.noveldrama