Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne just never thought that the cousin Leda mentioned-the one they hardly ever talk to and kind of drifted apart from-would actually care so much about her.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

True, Owen might come off as detached and aloof, but Roseanne knew better. It wasn't a lack of care, but a lack of time that kept his affections from being voiced. Deep down, his heart was softer than most...

"If something like today happens again, feel free to hit me up anytime."

He paused, glancing sideways with a meaningful look, "Alcohol stimulates the nervous system, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, or even shock and unconsciousness in severe cases. So, it's wise to drink less. Don't you think?"

Roseanne blushed, her cheeks and the tips of her ears turning a soft pink, knowing he was hinting at her. She cleared her throat, defending herself, "Though alcohol has its downsides, it can also offer a temporary escape from troubles. Letting loose occasionally could be a way to vent, right?"

Owen chuckled, not expecting her to not only counter but to throw his question back at him.

"There are plenty of ways to vent. Does it have to be through drinking?"

"Cough... Well, to each their own. Maybe some people prefer it?"

Owen stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, "Do you like it?"

Caught off guard by his intense gaze, Roseanne instinctively looked away, shaking her head, "No."

Even when Murray had hurt her deeply in the past, she never resorted to drinking her sorrows away. She knew running wasn't a solution.

And she feared the loss of control, the drunken disarray.

Owen's smile grew, "No wonder her mom worries about Leda leading you astray."

Roseanne was puzzled.

"If you ever feel like drinking someday, you can call me."

"To call you for cleaning up my mess?" she couldn't help but laugh.

Owen nodded and then shook his head, "That, and maybe I could join you for a drink."

Roseanne blinked, "You? Drink with me?"

She couldn't quite picture Owen with a drink in hand.

"Doubt it?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I do," Roseanne shook her head.

"We'll see about that."

His gaze was tender, enveloping her in a warmth that felt almost too easy to sink into. "Beep beep-"

A Mercedes sped past them, its harsh horn cutting through the budding flirtation.

happed back to reality,

at the sky, "Looks like it's

going to rain, we should be

Without waiting for Owen's response, she turned and started walking.

Owen stood there, watching her go, a smile playing on his lips.

back."

Inside the Mercedes, Murray watched the pair through his rearview mirror, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned

white.

Roseanne seemed different.

Happier, laughing more, but the laughter was directed at another man.

It seemed like he was the only one stuck in the past while she had.

moved on, finding new goals al

company.

Whether it was Owen or Corley, none were less than him!

Murray hated to admit it, but Roseanne was doing better without him than he had imagined.

And that made it even harder to swallow.

Why?

Why could she move on so freely, so decisively, while he remained trapped by memories?

In that moment, Murray felt a surge of resentment.

Resenting her for moving on, for not giving him another chance like before...