Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 735

Pinehollow?

Corley paused for a moment, trying to wrap his head around what he'd just heard.

He glanced at Roseanne out of the corner of his eye, quickly saying into the phone, "Grandpa, I've got something really important to take care of right now. Once I'm done, I'll head back. Just make sure you and Grandma keep your emotions in check, okay? The doctor said no big highs or lows."

"Alright, don't worry about it, take your time. We've already found her, and it turns out you know her."

Corley was puzzled. "I know her?"

"Yeah, your aunt's going by the name Madge now. She's the author of 'Seven Days'! Remember last time at The Book Nook? She was having a book signing upstairs while we were downstairs. It's my fault your grandma didn't get to go up and see her... just a missed opportunity.”

“And Roseanne... no wonder I felt such a connection with that young lady. It’s all in the family... the universe works in mysterious ways, and it led me right to them...”

"Corley? Corley? Are you still listening?"

His grandfather continued to ramble on, but Corley's mind was buzzing, unable to process anything beyond the shocking revelation that his aunt was the author of 'Seven Days.'

Roseanne’s mom, the long-lost aunt?

He looked up at the sky, his mind blank.

Suddenly—

“Corley, are you okay?” Roseanne's voice broke through his thoughts.

The call had already ended, yet he remained frozen, phone still in hand, looking as lost as a child who'd wandered too far from home.

"Corley? What's wrong?"

Roseanne had no idea what the call was about, but Corley's suddenly pale face made her uneasy.

He slowly lifted his head, a mix of confusion, disbelief, and a touch of bitter amusement playing across his features.

Roseanne had never seen Corley like this before.

"What happened?" she asked again, worry etched into her features.

Corley mechanically raised a hand, waving it weakly as though all strength had left him, his face ghostly white. "It's... nothing..."

"Roseanne... I've got to go..."

"I'm sorry... I can't drive you back... I'm sorry..."

But thankfully...

He hadn’t said those words out loud.

Roseanne didn’t want to lose him as a friend.

She tidied up the remaining fireworks, tossing the trash away as she prepared to leave.

But those blue roses were rare.

Might as well take them home and put them in a vase.

She placed the bouquet on the backseat, then drove away.

By eight-thirty, Roseanne had parked, grabbed the flowers, and headed toward her building.

It wasn't too late; the street vendors on either side of the alley were still open, so she bought a couple of baked potatoes.

The potatoes were hot, and juggling the flowers, she carefully peeled one and took small bites, savoring the warmth on the chilly night.