Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

On the way, after a brief exchange, Owen and Roseanne fell into their worlds of silence.

Owen had picked his usual ride for the day. Perhaps sensing Roseanne's somber mood, he kept the car at a considerate pace, neither too fast nor slow.

Upon reaching the suburbs, the security guard at the gated community greeted Roseanne with a nod. "Ms. Cole, I haven't seen you for a while. Have you been away on business?" Roseanne gave a weak smile but said nothing. Owen glanced at her and decided not to ask any more questions.

They arrived at the villa in silence, and Owen parked the car.

"I'll just be a minute. Just need to grab some books," Roseanne said, stepping out of the car.

Owen offered to help. "Do you need a hand?"

She shook her head. "No, it's just a few books. I can manage."

With that, she headed toward the villa.

The doorbell chimed, and Sadie's voice floated through, "Coming!"

Upon seeing Roseanne, Sadie exclaimed with surprise, "Ms. Cole!"

You're finally back!

Roseanne smiled. "Just here to pick up some stuff..."

"Are you..."

Before she could finish, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed in his pajamas, Murray stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Here alone? You sure you can handle it?" He held a coffee mug, looking down with a cold gaze.

"Wasn't the deal to take my stuff and go? Whether I can carry them is my problem," Roseanne retorted, heading straight for the study.

As she passed by Murray, he followed.

In the study, Roseanne methodically packed the books into sturdy canvas bags. Each movement was careful and deliberate.

Murray watched from the sidelines,

leaning against a cabinet, his

icy as Roseanne sweated

the effort without asking

bet

Murray suddenly snapped as Roseanne was ready to drag the bag out ten minutes later.

He cursed, kicked the books aside, and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Roseanne, do you not see me

standing here?What am I to your et

You wouldn't return for anything, and now, here you are, willing to step into this house for some damn books."

Roseanne gasped for air, struggling. "You're hurting me. Let go!"

But Murray was beyond reason, his eyes blazing. "Answer me! What am I to you? Your lap dog, to come and go at your beck and call?"

"Murray, remember, you wanted to

break up. Have you forgotten? And if

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we're talking about coming and going as one pleases, wasn't that always more your style? What, can't handle a taste of your own medicine?"

She pushed against his grip, eager to put distance between them.

Murray's anger surged at her disdainful look. He stepped closer.

Instinctively, Roseanne stepped back, tripping over a couch and falling into a seated position.

Murray towered over her, noticing her flushed cheeks from the effort and the nervous bite of her lip, deepening its hue.

Her quick breathing made her chest rise and fall, taking him back to countless passionate nights they'd spent together.

His emotions overwhelmed him, and without thinking, he leaned down to capture her lips.

"Anne..."

Roseanne recoiled in shock and anger, pushing against the imposing frame above her. "Murray! What are you doing? We're over!" Ignoring her protests, Murray tried to reach for her clothes.

Roseanne clung to the hem of her shirt, pleading, "Stop, please..."