Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Shattered to Pieces!

The contrast between Norris' enthusiasm towards Owen and his cold, sharp demeanor when faced with him was unmistakably stark.

Murray didn't catch the rest of the conversation; he had already descended two flights of stairs. He faintly heard the sound of a door closing, likely signaling Owen entering Roseanne's house.

Murray returned to his mansion with a bundle of gifts he hadn't been able to deliver. Sadie had finished cleaning and had left. The house was empty, falling back into the cold, desolate silence that had settled after Roseanne left.

He went upstairs and entered the master bedroom. The vanity at the foot of the bed had been neglected for a long time, still covered with unused skincare products, left behind by their owner. Just as she had left him behind. Murray pulled open a drawer; it used to hold a check, a land transfer contract, and a diamond bracelet. The diamonds formed the constellation of Sagittarius. It was a custom design by the renowned John Smith for Roseanne's 22nd birthday, symbolizing the eternal star in his life.

In an effort to surprise her, Murray had deliberately picked a fight, ignored her calls, and blocked her on social media. Then, at midnight on her birthday, he appeared at the gates of Kingswell University with the bracelet, delivering the most unexpected surprise.

For some reason, though she accepted the bracelet and they cleared up the misunderstanding, Murray felt she wasn't truly happy. She wore the bracelet a few times afterward. But it seemed as if the bracelet was cursed; every time she wore it, they ended up having a huge argument. Eventually, she locked the bracelet away in a drawer, never to wear it again.

"Murray, I don't want to fight, I really don't. Every time we do, I feel our love fading a little more, and us drifting apart..." Back then, she sat him down for a serious talk.

But he had just come back from a night out with Cliff and the guys, seemingly sober but actually drunk. He hadn't listened to a word she said, just nodding along, clueless when Roseanne brought it up the next day. That was the first time he saw such open disappointment and sadness in her eyes.

...

Meanwhile, at Roseanne's house, the atmosphere was lively.

"Here, Owen, try this," Norris smiled as he offered a piece of rib.

"Thanks, Mr. Cole, I'll help myself."

"How is it? Good?"

"Delicious."

Norris' smile widened. "Then have some more!"

"Will do."

"After we eat, let's have a game!"

Uh...

A game sounds good. But... do we have to call it 'bro time'?

Owen enjoyed the delicious meal, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

After dinner, Norris promptly set up the game board, eagerly awaiting Owen to join him. Owen, however, was busy rolling up his sleeves. "I'll start by cleaning up the kitchen."

Norris protested, "No need, Anne will

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handle it." It wasn't that he was sparing his daughter; Norris had already cleaned up after cooking. What needed washing was washed, and everything was tidied up. There wasn't much left to do.

Owen paused for a moment. "I ate too much; need to move around. I'll help clean up first."

Norris didn't think much of it. "Is that so? Well, thank you."

"It's no trouble."

Owen took the dishes to the kitchen. Roseanne was struggling to tie her apron, her movements stiff, seemingly caught in some difficulty. Owen offered help at just the right moment. "Need a hand?"

Roseanne paused. "That would be great, my hands are greasy, don't want to stain it..."

No wonder her movements seemed so awkward.

"Let me."

Owen picked up the apron strings, tying them with practiced ease. As the knot tightened, the strings pulled in, accentuating the girl's waistline in an instant. So slender... Owen

wondered if his hands could encircle

it.

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