Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray was no pushover and punched Owen back with a flash of anger.

"You think you can take me on? Who do you think you are?" He swung, hurling insults, "Back when she and I were together, you were nowhere to be seen..."

Owen intercepted Murray's punch with a calm, almost chilling composure, contrasting Murray's boiling rage. "And what about you? What's your role in all this? An ex who can't let go, or worse?" Each word from Owen was like a knife, targeting Murray's weak spots.

"Looking for trouble, are you?" Murray snarled, trying to free his fist.

But Owen kept a firm grip, unshaken.

"Enough!" Roseanne had finally regained her composure. Standing up from the couch, she clutched the jacket Owen had lent her, not sparing Murray a glance.

She turned to Owen and looked down. "Mr. Reynolds, I'm sorry you had to witness this mess."

Owen frowned, asking,"Should I call the police?"

Roseanne hesitated, "Let's just go."

wishes and not wanting to get further entangled in

afraid I don't have the strength now. Could you help me

down, Owen scooped up a canvas bag and

as he kicked a decorative plant

Roseanne watched the mansion

rearview mirror. Six years was neither long nor short. When she first moved in, she was full of hope, decorating the

last, the mansion and everything in it were

her hair, leaning

Owen remained silent, occasionally

Roseanne through the rearview mirror. Seeing that she had fallen asleep, he pulled over near Kingswell University and silently

but exhaustion overpowered her, needing even

and looked at him with mixed emotions. "Thanks for helping me again." Owen played it off. "It

times he'd helped, for respecting

stomach. She hadn't eaten all day, and the hunger hit her suddenly as the adrenaline faded. Trying to

"You probably haven't been to the Kingswell University diner in a while, huh?