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.

...

cozy bungalows, a blend of traditional and modern designs, each standing alone, simple, yet full

Roseanne tightened her grip on the seatbelt, eyeing the

hesitation. "Aren't you coming

her lip. "I think I'll wait

her, then nodded.

appreciated his silence. After taking a few deep breaths, she unfastened her

by the fence, probably neglected due to the owner's illness, looked wilted. Even before stepping inside, Roseanne could hear Madeleine's voice, causing her heart to flutter. She

Owen greeted, "Ms. Payne."

biology journal magazine and adjusted her reading glasses. "Eh? Owen? What brings you

her. "Just checking on you. How have you been

a minor ailment. There's no need for everyone to fuss over me like this." She patted his hand. "You're too kind. I'm perfectly fine!"

"Who?" Madeleine looked puzzled.

appeared in the doorway, head bowed like a child who had done

initial shock and a hint of joy turned into complexity and deliberate coldness. "What are you doing