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 know

"Yep!"

you get

but decided to be honest. "Corley gave

gaze intensified. "Why's he giving

birthday today, well,

to celebrate with you?" Owen paused, piecing things together. "And you went to the recital

"...Yes."

a thin, restrained line, and his hands clenched slightly at his

peeled sweet potato, its warm, honey-orange center steaming slightly. "Professor, would you

thanks." He accepted

take the flowers. It'll be easier for you to eat," she offered, having already finished her own

You already peeled this

that, Owen balanced the flowers in one hand and the sweet potato in the other, taking a

climbing the steps, Owen suddenly spoke

I remember when you first moved in. You were just coming out of

her

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

surprise."

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

do its thing, and eventually, the wounds