Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"Murray suddenly spoke up, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. "She's like that, you know. The more pressure she's under, the calmer she gets."

Grace couldn't help but smile, "When we toured earlier, I noticed the lab wasn't just all work; there was a lounge area and even a kitchen..."

Murray's eyebrows twitched, and he couldn't help but add, "Because Anne loves to cook, she's got a real knack for it. Whenever she tries something new at a restaurant, she'll spend days trying to recreate it at home. If the recipe she finds doesn't match up with what she tasted, she won't rest until she figures out the best version..."noveldrama

Grace nodded, impressed. "She must be very detail-oriented."

Lost in his memories, Murray's gaze softened. "Yes, she's not just detail-oriented, but also incredibly thoughtful. If someone's feeling under the weather, she's always the first to notice... From the smallest ornament to every dish and bowl, she keeps track of everything..."

"The medicine cab is organized by her hand, with everything from fever reducers to anti-inflammatories to stomach and cough medicines..." Grace watched as Murray's lips curved into a blissful smile, biting her lip subconsciously.

"It sounds like you two had some incredible times..."

Murray, wrapped up in his recollections, continued, "She loves cleanliness, even insisting on keeping the slippers lined up perfectly. And me? I'm a bit of a mess, always doing things my own way, which led to many arguments. But she always found a way to make me admit I was wrong, whether through debate, acting cute, or just tackling me and shutting me up with a kiss..."

His eyes shone brighter with each word, but then he suddenly stopped, the joy fading.

Memories of happier times served as a painful reminder of what he'd lost.

Swamped by regret, Murray felt a weight pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He looked up sharply, catching Grace's curious gaze, and instantly regained his composure.

Realizing he'd said too much, he abruptly fell silent.

Grace watched as he emerged from his nostalgia, instantly putting up walls, turning back into the untouchable Mr. Sherwood.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Why apologize?" Grace asked, puzzled.

"I said too much."

"It's okay. I think I make a pretty good listener, as long as you're willing to talk."

Murray paused for a moment before changing the subject. "Thanks for today."

"I promised to help you and Roseanne get back together. The lab opening seemed like a good opportunity, but... it doesn't seem to have worked, huh?"

Murray's expression darkened.

"Even if it didn't work, I did try," Grace said, her tone playful. "Shouldn't there be more than just a 'thanks'?"

Murray looked up. "I was going to have my assistant-"

"I don't want money," Grace cut in.

He frowned.

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Grace sighed. "You've already given enough. should be the one thanking you. How about we settle for a meal instead? I missed dunch, and I'm starving."

Murray was puzzled. "With the money, you can buy whatever you want. Why bother with a meal?"

"It's not the same! Right now, I can hitch a ride with you straight to a restaurant. With money, I'd spend ages deciding what to eat, where to go, how to get there... It's a hassle!"

Swr

Though he didn't quite get it, Murray respected her choice. "Fine. But think about it, a meal versus a sum of money, the latter is definitely worth more."

"I've made up my mind. I want the meal!"