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."

not wanting to get further entangled in someone else's

floor. "These are my books. I'm afraid I don't have

Owen scooped up a canvas bag and supported Roseanne as they

departure, fury overtaking him 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

last, the mansion and everything in it were behind her,

window, letting the wind whip through her hair, leaning

Owen remained silent, occasionally

had fallen asleep, he pulled over near

was fitful, but exhaustion overpowered her, needing even

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

times he'd helped, for respecting her privacy

a faint sound, and Roseanne's cheeks flushed as she covered her stomach. She hadn't eaten all day, and the hunger hit her suddenly as the adrenaline faded. Trying to hide

Kingswell University diner in a while, huh? Feel like revisiting old