Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

After dinner, Leda was whisked away by a phone call, leaving Roseanne to escort her parents back home.

Despite a long day of browsing and shopping that left them exhausted, Norris couldn't contain his excitement as he scrolled through the photos on his phone. "...I'm telling you, this enamel-coated silver goblet...and this coral-inlaid silver brooch..."

His voice echoed through the staircase.

Madge couldn't help but smile at his childlike enthusiasm, a rare sight for her.

Roseanne played the part of the attentive listener, chiming in only when prompted.

The family of three laughed and chatted as they climbed up to the seventh floor, with Roseanne reaching for her keys to open the door.

Just then, the door opposite theirs opened.

"Oh? Heading out, Owen?" Norris greeted warmly.

Roseanne instinctively turned her head, her gaze unexpectedly meeting the man's smiling eyes.

He was dressed simply yet elegantly in a white short-sleeved shirt paired with khaki trousers, his appearance both clean and restrained.

that night

her drunken escapade with

nodded at Norris,

"Still working this late?"

data to finish

when you're free, let's catch

"Sure."

finally found relief from the relentless demands of Maisie

to head back to their hotel, allowing her

onto the couch at home, Beverley felt utterly drained, her body weak and

got great

excitement as she sat

acceptance letter from Kingswell University, where she'd

gifts she'd

were initially meant for Madeleine

She avoided direct contact to prevent any backlash or suspicion, especially

move to avoid