Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Leda was momentarily dazzled by the lights, her face a picture of confusion as she instinctively pushed the man away before he could land a kiss. "Whoa, Anne, you're back." "Ahem! Uh, maybe you two should get dressed first." Roseanne's lips twitched slightly, politely turning her back to give them privacy.

She sighed. It looked like her stay at Leda's place might be over. Even the best of friends needed their privacy. Living together for too long was inconvenient for each other. However, Leda seemed unbothered by the recent interruption. She casually pulled up her slipping strap, draped a jacket over her shoulders, and tossed the man's blazer back to him. Leda left a lipstick mark on his handsome face, and the man's eyes were still red. Leda patted his cheek comfortingly. "Sweetie, wait for me in the bedroom."

Eager to comply, the man picked up his clothes, barely covering his chest, his shoulders full of love bites, and gave Roseanne a cheerful smile. "Hey, Anne, good evening." Roseanne instinctively responded, "Hi, Keven."

The man chuckled and disappeared into the room.

Leda poured herself a glass of red wine, savoring the sweet yet slightly bitter taste, and sighed contentedly before correcting Roseanne, "This one's Steven, not Keven."

Roseanne was at a loss for words.

"Where have you been? It's late," Leda noticed Roseanne's reddened eyes and frowned, "Have you been crying?"

Roseanne got herself some water, her mind elsewhere. "I went to visit Ms. Payne at the hospital today."

The two were college classmates and both Madeleine's students. Leda was still active in the university group chat and had heard about it.

She glanced at Roseanne. "You..."

She hesitated to continue. Back then, Roseanne was Madeleine's star pupil. Not everyone knew, but as her closest friend and roommate, Leda had seen the professor give Roseanne special attention, including project opportunities and co-authoring papers.

Considering Roseanne was just an undergraduate and Madeleine wasn't even officially her advisor, the resources she was willing to share were significant. According to Madeleine's plan, Roseanne could have been the country's youngest biosciences PhD within five years.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Till then, Leda couldn't understand why Roseanne would give up her studies. Remembering the teacher's favoritism, Leda couldn't help but think that some people didn't value what comes too effortlessly. After all, geniuses have the privilege to be capricious.

"How's Ms. Payne recovering after the surgery?" Leda asked.

Roseanne shook her head.

Leda laughed, albeit frustratedly. "How did you even visit without knowing anything about her condition?"

Roseanne murmured, "I didn't dare go in."

"Seriously? That scared?" Leda couldn't help but tease, seeing Roseanne's expression. "You had it coming!"

Roseanne's eyelashes fluttered, but she remained silent.

Leda realized the morning's food was all intended for Madeleine.

Leda asked again, "Do you plan to keep avoiding this?"

Roseanne was usually bold and decisive but seemed too scared to show her face.

Roseanne regained some composure. "Sooner or later, I have to face Ms. Payne. There are some people and issues that I can't deal with by running away."

Then, she looked up. "Leda, would you come with me to see Ms. Payne?"

Leda sat straight. "What are you planning?"