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 stood

You sure you can handle it?" He held

to take my stuff and go? Whether I can carry

by Murray,

the books into sturdy canvas bags. Each movement was careful and

watched from the

a cabinet,

icy as Roseanne sweated

the effort without asking

bet

suddenly snapped as Roseanne was ready to drag the

the books aside, and grabbed her by the shoulders.

am I to your

are, willing

gasped for air, struggling.

am I to you? Your lap dog, to come and go at your beck

you

Have you