Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

With that, as if fearing more questions, she quickly changed the subject. "I'm starving. Didn't we book a table? Let's go grab some food."

There was this popular steakhouse, always jam-packed over the weekend. Leda had booked a table two days in advance and still, it was almost a miss.

Right near the steakhouse was a butcher's shop, ensuring all their beef was fresh off the market, clean and prime.

Especially since this place's secret sauce, filling the air with its savory aroma even before any meat hit the pot.

As soon as Leda sat down, she pointed at the menu, "This, this, and this... and throw in these, these, and these... Let's get two of each."

She'd lost weight this week, all thanks to overtime work. A rare night out meant indulging to the fullest.

Gaining a few pounds was no issue; there was always the gym, but her taste buds and stomach deserved a treat!

Roseanne gazed at the table, laden with meats and veggies, and couldn't help but swallow hard, "Are we... going to finish all this?"

It was just the two of them, and she was genuinely worried about waste.

Leda raised an eyebrow, recalling something, "Oh, forgot to tell you, my aunt asked me to call Owen, to get him to come home this week. When I called, he said he was off, so I... invited him over for dinner. Uh... Anne, you don't mind, do you?" Roseanne choked a little at this sudden announcement.

two know each other

and now working on the same research project, seeing each other

Leda had a motive inviting Owen; it was an opportunity to ensure Owen looked out for

bullied without someone to watch

being the big brother figure, could make a lot

soup's a bit hot. I drank it too

advised, "Let it cool

"Got it."

the evening rush, was

walked in, his hair dotted

"Didn't bring an umbrella?"

umbrella was common, but Owen was meticulous, how

Owen replied

Leda mentioned the umbrella, She remembered a rainy day when she'd forgotten hers, and Owen

was still at

that thought, Roseanne's head dipped