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."

get further entangled in someone

afraid

a canvas bag and supported Roseanne as they

stood there, watching their departure, fury overtaking him as he

Roseanne watched the mansion

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

leave like this. At last, the mansion and everything in it were behind her, no longer a part of

car window, letting the wind whip through her hair, leaning

Owen remained silent, occasionally

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

sleep was fitful, but exhaustion overpowered her,

Owen, she opened her eyes and looked at him with mixed emotions. "Thanks for helping me again." Owen played

the times he'd helped, for respecting her privacy

covered her stomach. She hadn't eaten all day, and the hunger hit her suddenly as

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