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..."

looking like he'd just rolled out of bed in his pajamas, Murray

alone? You sure you can handle it?" He held a coffee mug,

Whether I can carry them is my problem," Roseanne

she passed by

books into sturdy canvas bags. Each

watched from

against a

icy as Roseanne sweated

the effort without asking

bet

ready to drag the bag out

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

I to your

wouldn't return for anything, and now, here you are, willing

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

beyond reason, his eyes blazing. "Answer me! What am I to you? Your lap dog, to come and go at your beck and

you

you