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 well enough, no need

were neighbors and now working on the same research project, seeing each other day in and day out, they

inviting Owen; it was an opportunity to ensure Owen looked out

getting bullied without someone to watch

being the big brother figure,

a bit hot.

it

"Got it."

in the evening

drizzling, and as he walked in, his hair dotted with raindrops and

"Didn't bring an umbrella?"

umbrella was common, but Owen was meticulous, how could

Owen

She remembered a rainy day when she'd forgotten hers, and Owen had lent her his spare. She'd forgotten to return it,

umbrella was still

thought, Roseanne's head dipped lower, quietly