Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne said sincerely, "You know, I really should apologize for being such a hothead when I was younger. She deserves an apology."

Leda nearly choked on her drink, coughing several times before painting her face with a look of sheer refusal. "Oh, come on, girl, spare me the drama. It's not like you don't know the whole story. The only class I ever flunked and had to retake was Ms. Payne's elective. Just the thought of her gives me the chills. Besides, I'm such a nobody. She's probably forgotten all about me. Honestly, I'm no help to you." Seeing Leda's reluctance, Roseanne didn't push further.

"But," Leda's eyes twinkled mischievously as her tone unexpectedly turned, "I might just have the perfect person for this job."

"Oh?"

"Remember my cousin, Owen Reynolds?"

Roseanne sipped her water and nodded. "Of course, I remember."

Owen Reynolds, the youngest leading figure in the national physics community, topped last year's list of the ten most influential young scientists in Nature magazine. An undergrad protégé of Madeleine, he majored in Applied Biosciences, published five papers in SCI within two years, and was hailed as a prodigy by the biological sciences community.

Then, he made the radical decision to switch disciplines and dive into physics for reasons unknown. It caused quite a stir at the time.

could make a mark in any field. Owen had become a heavyweight in the international

at the same university, Roseanne had heard legendary tales about Owen long before she knew he was Leda's cousin. Owen had been working at a research institute

just asked about Ms. Payne's health days ago. He's been busy but thought of paying a visit. It'd be perfect if you two went together." The more Leda spoke, the more she

a couple of rings,

deep voice, cold and formal. "What's

explained in

noise suggested he was busy, and the

at Thyme & Seasons. You can talk more then." Leda squeezed Roseanne's hand reassuringly, "Get a good night's sleep

"Thanks,

half an hour early. When she arrived at the restaurant, she checked her watch and found

Perfect timing.

by the window, immersed in his coffee. His attire was simple yet elegant, wearing a white shirt paired with black slacks and gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. The sunlight casting shadows on his profile made him look like a figure out of a

Roseanne felt underdressed in her white T-shirt and jeans, her hair tied back in a high ponytail, and