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..."

she could finish, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed in his pajamas, Murray stood at

can handle it?" He held

I can carry them is my

she passed by Murray,

into sturdy canvas bags. Each movement was careful and

from the

a cabinet,

icy as Roseanne sweated

the effort without asking

bet

ready to drag the bag out

the books aside, and grabbed her

am I to your

anything, and now, here you are,

gasped for air, struggling. "You're hurting me.

I to you? Your lap dog, to come

you

Have you forgotten? And