Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Liz?" Sammy called out to her again.

""...What's

up?"

"Were you just on the phone with a real estate agent, looking to rent a place?"

Her heart raced, fearing Sammy's prying, she snapped, "Why are you asking so many questions?! None of your business!"

Sammy felt a twinge of sadness but didn't let it show, "I'm your boyfriend, of course I care about you."

"I was looking for a boyfriend, not a dad."

"If you think I'm being too nosy, then... should I just talk less?"

He treaded lightly, not wanting to upset her further.

Seeing Sammy drop the topic of renting, Liz breathed a sigh of relief, her demeanor softening.

"Hand it over-" she reached out.

"What?"

"That iced latte in your hand, isn't it for me?"

"Oh, right! Almost forgot..." Sammy chuckled.

After another week buried in the lab, two sets of data finally emerged.

The pressure eased slightly.

On Saturday, Roseanne gave herself a day off.

"Ms. Cole, it's been ages, you almost didn't recognize me, did you?"

Leda pulled up beside her in a convertible Ferrari, resting an arm on the window and taking off her sunglasses to reveal her stunning, lively eyes.

The wind tousled her voluminous curls, and she looked both trendy and cool in a black jumpsuit paired with a statement belt.

Roseanne got into the passenger seat, buckling up as she said, "Who could forget Queen Leda?"

Leda playfully pinched Roseanne's cheek and teased, "Haven't seen you in two weeks! Have you been eating honey? You're just so sweet." "No need for honey, I'm naturally sweet."

"Of course, you are! Buckle up, the queen is taking you out for some delights!"

""Can't wait-"

"Anne, you're... way too sweet. If I were a guy, I'd marry you right off!"

And what's the deal with that jerk Murray Sherwood anyway?

Losers!

Valley Source, the newly famed American diner in Lumina City.

Long-established in Lumina City, it recently exploded in popularity due to a social media influencer's visit, drawing in crowds and leaving regulars struggling to get a table. Leda had to book half a month in advance.

Their signature dish, a roasted pigeon, was ordered by Roseanne along with some appetizers. The pigeon was crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside it

was clear why it was the diner's top dish.

QUMS

"This place has been around for over twenty years, its fame only

circulating among foodies. Recently, an influencer posted a video of their visit, and boom, it went viral. Now all these hidden gems are out in the open..."

It was Leda's first visit with her dad.

Thinking Roseanne had been swamped with lab work and with the weather warming up, indulging in some lighter American cuisine seemed perfect! "How's the taste? Good, right?"

Roseanne nodded, replying, "Mmm, delicious!"

The dish was perfectly cooked, juicy, with a hint of smokiness from the wood fire grilling.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Roseanne even considered trying to

recreate the pigeon dish herself... Cooking had always been for Murray, but after their breakup, she realized cooking for herself or sharing food with friends was a joy in its own right.

Not to please, care for, or impress anyone.

As long as it made her happy, whether cooking or anything else, it was all worth it.

"Anne... thanks for last time. My brother told me I went a bit wild, didn't I?"