Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 736

Roseanne had just taken a couple of bites when she glanced up and noticed the man standing in front of her apartment building.

Owen Reynolds was a steadfast night runner. No matter how chilly it got, you could count on seeing him out and about, hitting the pavement.

But today? No running gear in sight.

He was dressed in a sharp overcoat, with a slightly serious expression that made Roseanne wonder if he was waiting for her.

"Professor," Roseanne greeted him with a smile as she approached.

Owen's eyes crinkled with a smile of his own, but his gaze lingered on the bouquet of blue roses she was holding, making him pause.

"Were you out having fun?" he asked.

"Not exactly fun. I picked up my car from the shop and then went to a piano recital."

"Those flowers... they're quite unique."

Roseanne's eyes lit up. "Professor, take a closer look. Do you notice anything special about them?"

She held the bouquet out toward him to inspect.

Owen took a moment to examine the roses, even touching one gently. "Naturally grown?"

course, the former biology

"Yep!"

did you get them?"

but decided to be honest.

"Why's he giving you flowers all of a

my birthday today, well,

you?" Owen paused, piecing things together. "And you went to

"...Yes."

lips pressed into a thin, restrained line, and his hands

sweet potato, its warm, honey-orange center steaming

He accepted it

to

can manage. You already peeled this

in one hand and the sweet potato in the other, taking a bite as they headed up the

the steps, Owen suddenly

a year since we met, right? I remember when you first moved in. You were just

on her

help but muse, "Yeah, even though I knew breaking

surprise."

you now. I remember you telling me that time is the best healer. No need to

time do its thing, and eventually, the