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."

Owen?" Leda knew Owen lived nearby but was unaware they

affirmed with a

honest, and hearing that, Leda didn't pry further, instead shifting the conversation toward where to

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

in their

high life. Her sudden pivot to going on arranged dates had everyone watching, waiting for her to slip up. Those she met were hardly welcoming,

dirty secrets

knowing Leda's fiery nature. "No wonder the

Lumina family's scandal or a tax evasion case, even Roseanne,

the elite, and even I'm not spared from the constant marriage nagging

let's not just talk about me. You might not know, but my aunt is equally worried about Owen's marriage prospects, always

moment. 'Is Owen being set

Owen is hardly