Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 458

Chapter 458

Owen had been in the game of wooing for over a year, a fact that seemed to amuse his friends to no end. "Dude, you've been at this for ages. How have you not sealed the deal yet? With those looks and that height, it should've been a cakewalk!" they ribbed him, but Owen just shrugged off their teasing.

One of his buddies, sensing Owen's defeat, leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Listen, man, I've got a tip that's practically foolproof. Works on 99% of women..." Despite his initial disinterest, Owen found himself all ears.

...

Walking home later, Roseanne couldn't stop talking about the basketball game they'd just watched. "That three-pointer you made was epic! And that victory pose afterwards..." She was all animated, reenacting the moment with a sparkle in her eyes. Owen, trailing a bit behind, couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. They passed a convenience store, and he suddenly stopped. "Wait here a sec," he said before disappearing inside.

When he emerged, he was holding a bottle of arnica-infused oil, a well-known remedy for bruises. "Saw that red mark on your forehead. This should help it fade faster," he explained, noticing her surprise. Roseanne tried to protest, insisting it was a minor injury, but Owen cut her off.

a bruise ruining her look. You guys care about this

eyebrow, a hint of a challenge in her

you and... Leda, you know,"

said, reaching for the bottle. However, Owen didn't hand it over. Instead,

might struggle to apply

in the store before touching the bruise on her forehead. Roseanne watched, a bit taken aback, as Owen

really good.

brand's the best. Especially popular with women," Owen mentioned, a hint

moment, stepping

oil was a relief against her skin, and Roseanne couldn't help but feel a touch more fond

continued up

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