Crossword Genius

A Tale of Two Cities one’s abandoned (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

romance

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a tale' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'of two cities one's abandoned' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is located in the answer.
'one' could be 'an' (an apple is one apple) and 'an' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for romance that I've seen before include "Novel - love story" , "Amorous relationship" , "Make up stories - Menorca (anag)" , "Affair of the heart" , "Lie" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app