Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne grabbed her bag, and they set off for Kingswell University together.

As they strolled and chatted, Roseanne found Corley was indeed knowledgeable. He could keep up with any topic she brought up. His voice was steady, his demeanor gentle and refined, making his company pleasant.

After wandering for a while, they passed by an old stone wall, and glancing sideways, Roseanne spotted a familiar figure.

Owen had just finished a lecture and was on his way to the lab when he looked up to meet Roseanne's smiling eyes. He paused, then noticed Corley standing beside her.

"Fancy seeing you here. Just finished with class?" Roseanne broke the silence.

Owen nodded. "Heading to the lab, and you?"

"Just showing my friend around campus. Here's my friend, Corley Sullivan," she introduced, turning to Corley, "This is Owen Reynolds."

Their eyes met, and Corley extended his hand with a slight lift of his lips, "Mr. Reynolds, I've heard much about you."

"It's a pleasure," Owen responded.

The Reynolds and the Sullivan families were well-known in Lumina, circulating in the same social circles, though it was their first meeting.

by Roseanne, who wondered if their handshake

to let go. "I should head to

Corley asked with a thoughtful look, "Are you close

go into details, simply responding,

Corley didn't press further.

evening, Roseanne received

for showing me around campus

replied: [It was nothing. No

l.ne

her bed and lay

her into

Roseanne allowed herself a rare lie-in, waking up

was old

dog walkers greeted her with smiles. Roseanne responded cheerfully to

nearby ofd street, where a diner at the corner served

ove

neither too sweet nor too thick

She smirked, tapped him on the back playfully, and quickly sat