Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne grabbed her bag, and they set off for Kingswell University together.

As they strolled and chatted, Roseanne found Corley was indeed knowledgeable. He could keep up with any topic she brought up. His voice was steady, his demeanor gentle and refined, making his company pleasant.

After wandering for a while, they passed by an old stone wall, and glancing sideways, Roseanne spotted a familiar figure.

Owen had just finished a lecture and was on his way to the lab when he looked up to meet Roseanne's smiling eyes. He paused, then noticed Corley standing beside her.

"Fancy seeing you here. Just finished with class?" Roseanne broke the silence.

Owen nodded. "Heading to the lab, and you?"

"Just showing my friend around campus. Here's my friend, Corley Sullivan," she introduced, turning to Corley, "This is Owen Reynolds."

Their eyes met, and Corley extended his hand with a slight lift of his lips, "Mr. Reynolds, I've heard much about you."

"It's a pleasure," Owen responded.

The Reynolds and the Sullivan families were well-known in Lumina, circulating in the same social circles, though it was their first meeting.

A subtle tension hung between them, unnoticed by Roseanne, who wondered if their handshake lasted too long.

Owen was the first to let go. "I should head to the lab."

Roseanne watched him leave, and Corley asked with a thoughtful look, "Are you close with him?"

Roseanne chose not to go into details, simply responding, "We're acquainted."

Corley didn't press further.

That evening, Roseanne received a message from Corley.

[Thanks for showing me around campus today.]

She replied: [It was nothing. No need for thanks.]

l.ne

Turning off her phone, she tossed it beside her bed and lay down. Freshly aired, the pillow carriedka faint scent of soap, warm and

comforting, lulling her into sleep.

Without the need for intense studying, Roseanne allowed herself a rare lie-in, waking up at eight to get ready.

The neighborhood was old but lively.

As Roseanne stepped outside, neighbors with grocery baskets and dog walkers greeted her with smiles. Roseanne responded cheerfully to each.

Exiting the alley, she walked to the nearby ofd street, where a diner at the corner served milkshakes that

ove

were neither too sweet nor too thick and crispy peach pies.

Entering, she spotted Owen sitting with his back to her. She smirked, tapped him on the back playfully, and quickly sat opposite him.

Seeing his unchanging expression, Roseanne was puzzled. "Aren't you at all surprised?"

"Ms. Cole, this is the second time," Owen said, eating his peach pie, "Last week was the same. And your stealth isn't much faster than old Buster tied at the door." Glancing at the large yellow dog by the entrance, Roseanne was speechless.

Before she could retort, the old lady running the diner came over with a smile. "Ah, dearie, you're back. The usual?"

Roseanne nodded. "One peach pie and a sandwich, please."

Though aged, the old lady moved briskly, bringing the peach pie, sandwich, and Roseanne's favorite drink.

Seeing that, Roseanne beamed. "Thank you, ma'am."

The old lady's eyes crinkled into a smile. "Enjoy your breakfast."

The peach pie was crispy with the fresh peach and cream cheese inside. A sprinkle of nutmeg and honey added a burst of fragrance.

Roseanne glanced at Owen, who always stuck to the same simple meal. "Maybe you should try something new next time?"NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.