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."

her wishes and not wanting to get further

her books on the floor. "These are my books. I'm afraid I don't have the strength now.

Owen scooped up a canvas bag and

departure, fury overtaking him as he kicked

Roseanne watched the mansion

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

the mansion and everything in

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

Owen remained silent, occasionally

at Roseanne through the rearview mirror. Seeing that she had fallen asleep, he

fitful, but exhaustion overpowered her, needing

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

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

stomach. She hadn't eaten all day, and the hunger hit

been to the Kingswell University diner in a while,