Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The host's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, to all the single ladies out here tonight, including myself, may I ask a question to our generous sponsor, Mr. Sullivan? Is that okay?" Corley made a welcoming gesture, indicating she should proceed.

"Ahem! The burning question is-are you single?"

Corley replied, "At the moment, yes."

The host, pushing her luck, asked, "So, do we stand a chance?"

"No."

"Why's that?"

Corley's gaze softened as he said, "Because there's someone I'm already fond of."

His eyes found Roseanne in the crowd.

Owen Reynolds, on the other hand, managed to keep a poker face even as his grip warped the plastic water bottle he was holding.

Mamie glanced between the unfolding scene and the unfazed Roseanne, eventually deciding to...just focus on her food.

Mmm, delicious-

Corley, ignoring the disappointed murmurs in the room, handed back the microphone and took his seat.

His gaze lingered on Roseanne, who was munching away, cheeks puffing out like a little squirrel.

Even he found it odd-why was he so captivated by one woman?

He had dated before, but none had captured his attention, his fascination, his...obsession, quite like this.

He could watch her forever, it seemed, in a moment of longing.

Owen Reynolds suddenly broke the silence, "Mr. Sullivan seems in high spirits tonight."

"Yeah, seems Mr. Reynolds is enjoying himself too."

Their eyes met, tension thick in the air.

Mamie, unable to take it anymore, coughed, "Roseanne, I need to visit the ladies' room. Care to join?"

"Of course," she replied, eager for an escape.

As they distanced themselves from the table, Roseanne took a deep breath.

Mamie chuckled, "Feel better now, Roseanne?"

"Thanks, Mamie. You're a lifesaver."

"Anytime! Let the roosters have their duel."

...

As the spotlight segment ended and free time began, music filled the air and lights danced across the floor The host announced, "Gentlemen, it's your moment. The stage is set; now go invite the lady you've been eyeing."

With that, she bowed and exited, leaving a wave of applause in her wake.

Grace, in her chic tweed outfit, introduced Murray to some classmates. Murray had spared no expense on her ensemble, even selecting a tie to match her outfit perfectly. To onlookers, they appeared the perfect couple.

Yet, Grace knew Murray's heart was elsewhere-fixed on Roseanne.

Despite his attempts to seem

indifferent, his glances inevitablet

not to let Roseanne on Corley

notice.

Grace saw it all, feeling a prick in her heart. Finally, she managed a smile and asked Murray, "Aren't you going to ask me to dance?" Murray frowned. "Is it necessary?"

Grace locked eyes with him. "Aren't you curious about how Roseanne would react, seeing you dance with another woman right in front of her?"