Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne lifted her head, finding Owen's chin almost resting atop her own. She had avoided practically tumbling into his embrace thanks to Owen's steadying arms. Snapping back to reality, Roseanne quickly stepped back.

Owen cleared his throat, pulled back his arm, and offered a bit of advice this time. "High heels can be tricky. Flats are much safer."

Roseanne couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter, taking a moment before she replied, "Thanks."

After a brief pause, Leda, who hadn't seen Roseanne's arrival, called out from inside with a hint of confusion, "Anne? Is that you?"

Roseanne glanced outside. "I'm heading off, see you."

"Okay." Owen clenched his fist, and as he walked upstairs, the sounds of conversation from below still reached his ears.

Leda asked, "Why are you just getting here?"

Roseanne didn't go into details. "Ran into a bit of trouble."

lived nearby but was unaware they were

with

pry further, instead shifting the

the meal, Leda vented about her recent dating experiences. "One pretentious lot after another, acting like they're on top of the world. Why hasn't someone just wiped

their circle

sudden pivot to going on arranged dates had everyone watching, waiting for her to slip up. Those she met were hardly welcoming, their attitudes suggesting

dirty secrets in anger." Being

fiery nature. "No wonder the gossip columns have been so

it was the Lumina family's scandal or a tax evasion case, even Roseanne, buried in her studies, had caught wind

"Our family is among the elite, and even I'm

is equally worried about Owen's marriage prospects, always finding new ways to set

moment. 'Is Owen being

Owen is hardly ever