Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Murray burst onto the scene out of nowhere.

Before Roseanne could leap into his arms, thrilled at the unexpected visit, he barked an order that sent a squadron of bodyguards storming into the estate.

They began uprooting the flowerbeds Roseanne had tenderly nurtured over the weeks!

"What's this madness? Can't afford flowers, so you decide to get your hands dirty? Lost in this little hobby of yours, huh?!"

"Not picking up calls, ignoring my texts! All for these little blooms? Rip them all out, throw them away!"

In less than half an hour, the once lush garden was bare.

And just like that, weeks of Roseanne's dedication were obliterated.

From the moment the bodyguards charged in, she was in disbelief.

Watching Murray command this act of barbarism, witnessing the greenery being replaced by desolation, the young plants mercilessly destroyed...

And this was no act of God.

But a manmade disaster!

This sparked the biggest argument they ever had.

Murray vented, "You have time for gardening, for vacations, to enjoy the easy life, but no time to take my calls?"

"I was out of my mind with worry, thought something had happened to you. I nearly turned Lumina upside down looking for you, and here you are, hiding out gardening?!"

"Roseanne, in your eyes, my worth is less than your studies, our relationship less important than your career. Fine, I respect your pursuits. That's why I always show up early for our dates, waiting for you. Sometimes it's just a few minutes, sometimes hours. I've waited before!"

"But what's this now? I'm less important than your studies, I get that, but now I'm less important than these damn flowers?!"

"Roseanne, bottom line, you just don't love me!"

...

"Anne, why can't you put me first?"

...

"I said I needed to stay abroad another week, thought you'd be upset, at least disappointed. But no, you couldn't care less!"

...

"Anne, can't you care about me a little more?"

"Forget about your studies, okay? Let's get married once you graduate next year..."

Despite her anger, Roseanne's heart softened seeing his insecurity and the fear of losing her.

She even began to question herself-

Had she been too aloof, making him feel neglected in their relationship?

This introspection led her to a decision-

To give up the chance to pursue a combined master's and PhD program.

And so, the estate became a turning point in Roseanne's fate.

Back to the present, Murray led her through the gates.

The next moment, a sea of flowers met their eyes.

Even prepared, Roseanne was taken aback.

All sorts of flowers bloomed brilliantly in the cold winter.

Roses, crabapples, orchids, rhododendrons, gardenias... Stepping in, the warmth enveloped them.

The garden boasted a simulated ecosystem. No matter the external climate or temperature, the internal environment could be manually adjusted, including humidity

That's how these different flowers thrived together, blooming beautifully.

Murray casually pointed at a cluster of orchids, "They say orchids are tough to care for. The real challenge is their precise soil requirements... ! usually mix sphagnum moss and bark for the soil. Orchids can't stand the cold; anything below 59 degrees sends them into dormancy, hence the temperature control. And watering needs to be just right, adjusting for the seasons since their roots are aerial and prone to suffocation, plus evaporation rates vary with the seasons..."

"And this rose here, I was planning..."

While he continued, Roseanne's gaze drifted past the gates to the horizon.

The roses at the entrance were so vibrant they made the distant mountains seem like mere backdrops.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

Once, this might have moved her, but now her heart was calm.

Even Murray's voice couldn't stir any emotion in her.

"Even the most beautiful roses have their season. Nothing lasts forever, feelings included. Once missed, it's gone Why not look forward to new beauties ahead and let go?"

Murray fixed his eyes on her, "What if I can't let go?"

Roseanne met his gaze, "Then that's no longer my concern."