Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

On a pleasant Saturday, the weather was just right.

Thick clouds allowed streaks of warm sunlight to peek through, making Roseanne break into a slight sweat during her morning jog. After a refreshing shower and changing clothes, she grabbed the medicine she had purchased earlier and hailed a cab to Madeleine's place.

"Ms. Payne, please take these three times a day. It's chilly these days, so you don't need to refrigerate them. Just ensure to warm them up before drinking," Roseanne explained as she handed over the medications.

A staunch woman unafraid of much, Madeleine had one particular aversion to the taste and smell of medications. She eyed the dark liquid distastefully, distancing herself before voicing her struggle. "Do I have to take this?"

"Absolutely," Roseanne replied. "I've arranged with your housekeeper to make sure you take it three times daily without skipping."

Madeleine grimaced in resignation. "Okay, I got it."

Madeleine couldn't dismiss Roseanne's kind gesture, no matter how much she detested the idea.

Seeing Madeleine's face contorted in disgust like a petulant child, Roseanne couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I know it's bitter, so I brought you some pistachio fudge from Sweet Delights downtown. Have a piece after your medicine, and it won't taste so bad."

Madeleine's gloomy expression instantly disappeared, replaced by a grin. "Now you're talking."

After some light-hearted banter, the conversation turned to more serious matters.

"Kingswell University's Biology Department will set up a new research team next year. Three members have been on the list, leaving two spots open. The criteria are strict. Candidates must have excellent grades and an overall high average in all subjects. Additionally, candidates must have scored at least two As in their lab work."

Roseanne was surprised by the rigorous requirements.

Madeleine noticed her reaction and explained, "Being part of this team comes with perks. Outstanding members might go straight to a Ph.D. program or get an offer from NexTech Innovations to join their research lab."

A leading biotech firm not just in

Faeland but globally, NexTech Innovations was a dream workplace for many in the field, known as a scientist's paradise, owned by the Reynolds family and boasting the industry's most advanced equipment and a formidable collaborative team, producing

groundbreaking biotech research.

"I'm well aware of your academic performance, so I've never doubted your capabilities," Madeleine said, locking eyes with Roseanne. "What you're missing now is hands-on lab experience."

Over the years, Roseanne had barely

St

set foot in a lab. Familiarity with procedures, agility with equipment, and understanding of new technologies were all areas of concern. Beyond innate talent, significant time investment was essential.

After all, Owen was spending all that time in the lab for a reason, right? You build your skills and experience over time.

Suddenly, Madeleine's aged yet warm hands enveloped Roseanne's. Looking up, she saw Madeleine's encouraging smile. "I believe in your potential. It's never too late to start."

Roseanne felt a surge of determination and nodded firmly.

Madeleine advised, "As for your postgraduate studies, I'm not worried. You have a few months before the interviews, so you can use this time to master the books and materials I've given you."

Madeleine had been working on an

experimental project for five years, which hadn't had results. She planned to involve Roseanne when the semester began, considering the project tailored for her from the start. However, unforeseen detours had occurred.

But that was all water under the bridge. It was time to get back on track, leaving the twists and turns of the journey unspoken.