Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

On the way, after a brief exchange, Owen and Roseanne fell into their worlds of silence.

Owen had picked his usual ride for the day. Perhaps sensing Roseanne's somber mood, he kept the car at a considerate pace, neither too fast nor slow.

Upon reaching the suburbs, the security guard at the gated community greeted Roseanne with a nod. "Ms. Cole, I haven't seen you for a while. Have you been away on business?" Roseanne gave a weak smile but said nothing. Owen glanced at her and decided not to ask any more questions.

They arrived at the villa in silence, and Owen parked the car.

"I'll just be a minute. Just need to grab some books," Roseanne said, stepping out of the car.

Owen offered to help. "Do you need a hand?"

She shook her head. "No, it's just a few books. I can manage."

With that, she headed toward the villa.

The doorbell chimed, and Sadie's voice floated through, "Coming!"

Upon seeing Roseanne, Sadie exclaimed with surprise, "Ms. Cole!"

You're finally back!

Roseanne smiled. "Just here to pick up some stuff..."

"Are you..."

of bed in his pajamas, Murray stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed,

handle it?" He held a coffee mug, looking down with

my stuff and go? Whether I can carry them is my problem,"

passed by Murray,

the study, Roseanne methodically packed the books into sturdy canvas bags. Each movement was careful and

watched from

a

icy as Roseanne sweated

the effort without asking

bet

was ready to drag the

cursed, kicked the books aside, and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Roseanne, do you not see

I

and now, here you are, willing to step into

struggling. "You're hurting me.

I to you? Your

you

up. Have you forgotten? And