Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 535

"Alright, I'll just—"

"Never mind, I'll do it myself."

...

Rose stood next to her assistant's desk, not far from the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

She walked to the window, paused, and gazed down at the bustling traffic below.

Ahead was the bustling main street, flanked by sleek office buildings, and further in the distance, the river view was visible.

Truly, a prime slice of real estate.

When the company was just starting, lacking funds and connections, their office was just above the basement apartment they rented—a modest two-bedroom place.

Though humble, it had windows that let in light and even a small kitchen.

The startup was small, with just five techies besides Murray.

Forget about having a receptionist, accountant, cashier, finance, or HR—there simply wasn't the budget to hire for those positions.

What to do?

Rose took it all upon herself.

Running up and down the stairs every day, choosing public transport over taxis, and cooking meals to save on takeout costs.

Those days were hard, yet her heart was full of warmth.

Everyone pitied her for giving up her Ph.D. program, so she was determined to prove that her choice was right.

She might not have conquered the academic peaks, but she had a loving partner and a thriving business.

And a future with a happy family and adorable kids was in sight.

Murray was doing his part too.

For two years, he threw himself into work, up before dawn and to bed after dusk. On his rare days off, he'd take her out on dates.

He was always in tune with her emotions, ready to respond to any change.

When did things start to change?

In fact, they were completely opposite.

She wanted to be a tree standing beside him, facing the storms together; he wanted her to be a flower, delicate and sheltered under his shade, forever obedient and dependent.

After that realization, Rose completely withdrew from the company's affairs.

The company didn't need her anymore, anyway.

There was enough money to hire professionals for reception, finance, accounting...

Murray became busier, jet-setting around the world, gone for weeks at a time.

On his rare breaks, it was either hosting golf tournaments, networking, or hanging out with Corley, Cliff, and York for drinks and poker.

During the countless nights waiting for him alone, Rose couldn't help but reminisce about the early days of their startup.

It seemed to her that the man she knew now was becoming more and more distant from the one she remembered...

Lost in thought, Rose stared into the distance until—

"Anne!"