Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne led the way, with Owen trailing a step behind. She seemed to have become her usual self, contrasting the previous night's unease. Owen pulled up the car, and Roseanne slid into the passenger seat. They were driving when they passed a local flower store.

Suddenly, Roseanne opened her mouth. "Could we stop for a moment, just two minutes? I want to pick up some flowers."

"Flowers?"

Roseanne nodded. "Yeah, for Ms. Payne."

Owen gripped the steering wheel, puzzled. "Is that necessary?"

Roseanne was stunned, then chuckled. "Do you always show up empty-handed when you visit someone?"

Owen nodded earnestly.

Roseanne gave him a thumbs-up, amused, thinking, "So this is how the big shots do it, huh?"

But still, the man pulled over.

...

Maple Avenue, not far from Kingswell University. The neighborhood had cozy bungalows, a blend of traditional and modern designs, each standing alone, simple, yet full of character. After they passed through a grove of maple trees, the house came into

tightened her grip on the seatbelt, eyeing the flowers at

hesitation. "Aren't you coming

her lip. "I think I'll wait

man glanced at her, then nodded.

After taking a few deep breaths, she unfastened her seatbelt and

neglected due to

Owen greeted, "Ms. Payne."

the latest issue of a biology journal magazine and adjusted her reading glasses. "Eh?

to assist her. "Just checking on

me like this." She patted his hand. "You're too kind. I'm perfectly fine!" Owen paused. "I brought someone

"Who?" Madeleine looked puzzled.

doorway, head bowed

eyes flickered, taking a few steps forward before the initial shock and a hint of joy turned into complexity and deliberate coldness. "What are you doing here?" Madeleine asked