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."

to get further entangled in someone else's drama, Owen

the floor. "These are my books. I'm afraid I don't have the strength now. Could you help me carry

up a canvas bag and supported Roseanne

stood there, watching their departure, fury overtaking him as he kicked a decorative plant pot by his feet in

Roseanne watched the mansion

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

to leave like this. At last, the mansion and everything in it

the car window, letting the wind whip through her hair, leaning back in the seat with

Owen remained silent, occasionally

fallen asleep, he pulled over near Kingswell University and silently stared out

sleep was fitful, but exhaustion overpowered her, needing

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

times he'd helped, for respecting her privacy and preserving her

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

the Kingswell University diner in a