Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"Seriously?" Roseanne's voice carried a mix of annoyance and disbelief as she addressed Mr. Sullivan, "You can let go of my hand now."noveldrama

Corley's lips curved up in a smirk, seemingly realizing his hold for the first time. Far from loosening his grip, his initially light touch solidified, wrapping her shoulders in a firm embrace.

She was slender, almost fragile to the touch. Even through her down jacket, he could feel the outline of her bones.

Her subtle, sweet fragrance invaded his senses uncontrollably, making his body tense.

However, in the next instant, Roseanne twisted out of his grasp with surprising agility.

Corley reacted quickly, stretching his arm in an attempt to pull her back.

It was a game of cat and mouse.

Roseanne was visibly upset: "Corley! Enough already, will you?!"

The man's eyes sparkled with amusement: "Finally, you're not calling me Mr. Sullivan anymore."

Silence followed.

In the midst of their playful struggle, Owen Reynolds stood under the nearby streetlight, holding a paper bag.

Perhaps due to the lighting, half of his face was obscured in shadow, making it difficult to discern his expression at the moment.

"Professor?" Roseanne, with her sharp eyes, was the first to spot Owen Reynolds.

The stationary figure approached them, his gaze subtly drifting to the men's scarf around her neck.

Halley's scarf was still there, so it wasn't him.

Glancing at Corley, who was dressed in a coat over a suit and lacked a scarf, Owen announced, "Mr. Reynolds!" Halley greeted with a smile, "What a coincidence running into you here!"

"Not a coincidence. I came here on purpose."

"Really?"

He took out a scarf from the bag, stepped forward, removed the men's scarf from around Roseanne's neck, handed it to Corley, and then wrapped Roseanne's own scarf snugly around her.

"I bumped into your two friends at Elite Business University's gate. They were planning to deliver this scarf to you. I was on my way, so I offered to bring it over. Saves them the trouble so they can go grab some late-night snacks."

"Thank you, Professor! I appreciate you making the trip."

Roseanne nestled her chin into the scarf, immediately feeling cozy.

Her own scarf felt the most comfortable.

Owen Reynolds dismissed the thanks with, "No problem, happy to help."

Corley, holding the returned scarf, suddenly smirked, leisurely re-wrapping it around his neck, "Bringing a scarf over personally? Does Mr. Reynolds always run errands like this?"

Owen Reynolds simply replied, "Like I said, I was on my way."

Then turning to Roseanne, "I'm heading home. Join me?"

"Sure! Brother, I'll be off then!"

"...Oh, right. Take care on your way."

As the two departed, Roseanne queried, "Professor, what were you doing at Elite Business University?"

"Needed to see Professor Farrell for something."

"So late?"

"...Professor Farrell tends to be a night owl."

"I see."

Their voices faded as they moved further away.

Corley stood still, watching them leave, his gaze darkening.

Corley scoffed with a cold laugh, "Your reaction time could win awards."

"I... What do you mean?"

"Keep an eye out, or one day your sister might just be swept away without you noticing! Be more vigilant!" With that, he strode off, his scarf fluttering in the chilly wind, leaving a frosty and solemn air behind.

What a scenario!

Ha... my sister really is something!