Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 781

"Murray, what's up with you?" Grace's soft voice floated over, snapping him back to reality. He had been lost in his thoughts, struggling to keep his emotions in check. He had to maintain the facade; he'd been playing this part for too long to mess it up now.

If Roseanne ever got wind of his true feelings, she'd probably avoid him like the plague. Just sharing a peaceful moment like this would be impossible if she knew.

Grace noticed the change in him as soon as Roseanne had spoken. It was like half of Murray's spirit had left his body.

Roseanne turned to Mamie and Scales. "It's getting late, shall we head back?"

"Yeah, let's go," Mamie agreed quickly. "It's almost nine, and it's freezing out here..."

She rubbed her hands together and blew on them for warmth. Honestly, she admired Murray's dedication. It was freezing, yet there he was, standing next to a convertible trying to look cool. Couldn't he wait inside the car? Did he really have to pose next to it? Wasn't he cold?

Seriously, the way these guys think is beyond me.

"We're heading out, Grace and Grace's boyfriend. Take your time, enjoy your date. Bye-bye~"

Grace's boyfriend? Mamie really knew how to twist the knife.

Murray sighed and watched as Roseanne got into a cab. He didn't look away until it disappeared from sight. Only then did he let go of Grace's waist.

Grace saw everything. Even though her heart ached, she kept smiling. She had to—this was part of the deal.

From the start, their arrangement was clear: he provided the cash, and she played her part. She couldn't afford to show any jealousy.

She had to deceive Murray just as he was deceiving Roseanne. It was all so ironic and ridiculous.

With Roseanne gone, Murray had no reason to stick around. He was about to get in his car when—

Grace chimed in, "I got all dolled up, came out here at night to help you put on this show, and you're just gonna leave without even a 'thank you'?"