Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Finally seen the light, huh?" York sprang up from the couch. "Done playing the devoted boyfriend?"

Murray didn't even blink an eye at York's teasing, his face expressionless. "It was just a show, nothing we haven't done before." York clapped his hands, relieved his buddy was back to his old self. "Okay, I'll set you up right away. Clean and hassle-free."

No sooner had he hung up the phone than York sent over an address.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

[Eclipse Lounge1080.]

[I've been eyeing this chick for a while, still a virgin. She's all yours.]

Murray's lips twitched into a smirk as he grabbed his jacket and headed out. Under the deep night sky, it was time to release himself.

The following morning, clad in a bathrobe, York emerged from the neighboring room. After a night of heavy drinking, he woke up midday.

Murray stayed in a luxury suite reserved for him in Eclipse Lounge, owned by the Gibson family, which was more spacious than a typical three-bedroom apartment.

Yawning, he ruffled his hair, feeling parched. Deciding against water, he poured himself a red wine and headed to the living room.

When he stepped out, he spotted the sexy silhouette of a woman, bare shoulders marked with tantalizing red spots. Her eyes were filled with sorrow and pity as she looked at Murray, but he was unmoved, simply paying her off.

Murray looked up, meeting York's amused gaze, lazily lighting a cigarette.

York rolled his eyes. "That puppy dog look, even I'm almost swayed, and you're as cold as ice. Have you ever heard of being a gentleman?"

Murray's cool smirk was his reply. "I paid her service. What's there to pity?"

"Fair enough." York raised his glass, "Drink?"

Murray shook his head. "No thanks."

Only York, the lush, would think of drinking this early in the day.

The flame flickered at his fingertips as Murray took a shallow drag, blowing out rings of smoke that filled the air with a hazy veil. Despite the night's escapades, he didn't seem too pleased.

York's eyes darted around, leaning in. "Aren't you worried about Roseanne making a scene?"

Murray frowned deeply. "Why would she? Just an ex. She doesn't have the right."

Ouch! Looks like getting back together is out of the question!

But

about Millie? Why would you rather have me find you a call girl from

din cork was confused. "What e Lounge than sleep theft

her?"

Millie had a decent figure and face, not quite Roseanne, but her youthful vibe was quite enticing. Yet there Murray was, with such a tempting offer, and he wouldn't touch her.

Murray exhaled a ring of smoke. "A decent woman, too much trouble."

York laughed. "And since when were you afraid of trouble with Roseanne? She seemed like the type to take things seriously." Murray paused and added after a long while, "Yeah, which is why it took six years to dump her."

York laughed heartlessly. "That sounds just like you."

...

In mid-October, Roseanne finally received an email response from SCI. Her paper had passed the preliminary review. Leda was utterly shocked. "Oh my God! Anne, you're a genius! That's the SCI we're talking about! Holy cow!" Roseanne shrugged it off. "Cool it. It's just the preliminary stage. Nothing's set in stone yet."

Leda had faith in Roseanne. "With your skills, the next two rounds of reviews shouldn't be a problem. Don't worry."