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?"

biology expert would

"Yep!"

get

decided to be honest. "Corley gave

he giving

my birthday today, well,

paused, piecing things

"...Yes."

lips pressed into a thin, restrained line,

offered him a peeled sweet potato, its warm, honey-orange center

thanks." He accepted

me take the flowers. It'll be easier for you to

I can manage. You

Owen balanced the flowers in one hand and the sweet potato in the other, taking a bite as they

the steps, Owen

first moved in. You were just coming out of a tough relationship, looking pretty

her

couldn't help but muse, "Yeah, even though I knew breaking up was the right decision, the

surprise."

it's all behind you now. I remember you telling me that

let time do its thing, and eventually,