Roseanne was alone the room.

The alarm had gone off, making the lights brighter than before.

a steps forward, she spotted a sign.

breezing the second challenge, heard crowded not too ahead.

It seemed the was jam–packed with people.

Just as she hesitated to push the crowd, wave of people surged from behind, leaving her nowhere to go.

”

In the chaos, pushed her to side and on her foot, causing her gasp in pain as she got pressed against the uneven wall.

Then, she gaze on her and instinctively looked up meet the of a man.

}

Murray’s heart ached when seeing Roseanne a mess, yet he was too.

It was indeed her.

The “Anne” he thought heard wasn’t imagined.

}

But then, him be enjoying a haunted house seemingly living it after their breakup.

“Murray?” anxiously tugged at arm, shooting a defensive at Roseanne.

}

Avoiding interaction, Roseanne pushed back into the crowd, to follow out.

The flickering lights and the chaotic crowd added to the tension until a scream pierced the air.

faux wooden sword hung precariously above, threatening to fall where stood.

out!” Without a second Murray let go of Millie and fought through the crowd, Roseanne to safety as the sword crashed to with a loud thud.

It turned out to be a metal painted to look wooden.

The danger was apparent.

Shaken, Roseanne felt grip on her hand.

He hadn’t go, but she quickly away.

“Thanks,” her distant.

”

Murray’s deep eyes clouded with a mix of feelings.

“Is that all you to say to me?“

She puzzled.

What more there to say between them?}

“Why did you block Murray his voice low husky.

}

was stunned.

each other during arguments but she reached out but not this time.

”

Her smile came irony.

“Isn’t removing an ex the normal thing to do?”

Murray frowned, caught guard.

“And when were you planning to me back?“}

Her but firm.

“Maybe… never.

“}

Frustration bubbled in Murray at her subdued demeanor.

“How plan to keep this up? Don’t test patience.

“}

Her laugh disappeared in the crowd as they got pushed apart again.

Murray reached her hand but swiftly by someone else.

From a short distance, Millie watched with jealousy consuming her.

pushed through the crowd to Murray’s onto him.

“Babe, let’s get out of here.

It’s so dark and scary.

I almost fell looking you.

I’m scared.

Don’t me alone, please…” Her trembled with fear, eliciting sympathy.

that time, an announcement through, indicating they had the issue asking the visitors to exit an fashion.

Roseanne didn’t spare another glance she walked swiftly, with Murray following behind.

}

Millie bit lip.

“Murray, for me.

“}

Outside, Leda been anxiously waiting.

Hearing potential danger inside, she was relieved to see Roseanne safe.

“Are you okay? I was when I alarm.

“

Roseanne smiled at her.

“I’m fine.

Let’s go home.

I’m exhausted.

”}

But had other plans.

Seeing Murray Millie emerge her blood boil.

“Not going just yet.

Men are a dime a dozen.

Let’s go have some fun!“}

Roseanne puzzled but followed Leda into the vibrant nightlife of a bustling bar.

Amid the smoky with neon lights Roseanne felt out of place in her casual attire.

The live band played, and Leda ushered them a private ordering whiskey and cocktail for Roseanne, who had strong drinks.

Feeling the alcohol’s warmth, Roseanne excused to the only to bump Corley.

37

Their acquaintance was through Murray, and their interaction was brief.

world,” she greeted politely.

was with friends and expect to run into Roseanne.

}

“Alone?” He asked, her flushed cheeks.

Roseanne answered lightly, with a friend.

”

“Murray?”

she replied, “Nope.

You have fun.

I’m heading out.

“}

“Anne.

” Suddenly, Corley called after her.

That made Roseanne frown, but she a smile.

“Something else?“}

Corley asked, “Is it for real this time? You and Murray?”

Roseanne back.

“Ever heard of a fake breakup?”

Corley’s gaze was deep, and a long he finally nodded.

“Fine, got it.

”

As Roseanne turned to leave, he lifted his phone and snapped a photo of her retreating figure.

he opened WhatsApp, found the group chat with mutual friends, and hit send.

}

[Photo]

[Guess I bumped into]

Cliff: [Holy cow! Roseanne? For real?]}

[At the bar?]}

Cliff: you even to ask? It’s our usual spot]

[Why silent treatment?