Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne felt a wave of tranquility wash over her, providing a stark contrast to the chaotic days after her breakup with Murray.

Back then, a mere thought of him could send her spiraling, her emotions tethered to his memory. But time, the ultimate healer, had mended her wounds, gradually erasing the pain he caused until it became a distant memory. "Do you need something?" Roseanne asked when Murray approached her.

"Can we talk somewhere else?"

"I don't think there's anything left to say between us," Roseanne replied, her tone firm.

"Murray, you can call me by my first name. We're not close enough for nicknames," she added, drawing a clear line.

Murray's face fell, his frustration palpable. Owen, who was with Roseanne, seemed to understand the situation perfectly and made a subtle move to leave, but Murray's presence was like a thick fog, refusing to clear. Roseanne knew better than to be alone with Murray, given his unpredictable nature. "We should get going," she said to Owen, who nodded in agreement.

eyes reddening with anger that he quickly tried to suppress.

puzzled by his

father because my child can only be

at Murray's baffling declaration. "Maybe you should see a doctor,"

linger a moment longer. Once they reached her apartment building, Roseanne apologized to Owen for the awkward encounter. She felt embarrassed

simply said, "You've been through a

Murray wasn't lurking around before heading out to the market. She planned to cook lunch for Owen, needing fresh

at the corner, freshly showered and ready to accompany her.

late morning, they were