Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne lifted her head, finding Owen's chin almost resting atop her own. She had avoided practically tumbling into his embrace thanks to Owen's steadying arms. Snapping back to reality, Roseanne quickly stepped back.

Owen cleared his throat, pulled back his arm, and offered a bit of advice this time. "High heels can be tricky. Flats are much safer."

Roseanne couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter, taking a moment before she replied, "Thanks."

After a brief pause, Leda, who hadn't seen Roseanne's arrival, called out from inside with a hint of confusion, "Anne? Is that you?"

Roseanne glanced outside. "I'm heading off, see you."

"Okay." Owen clenched his fist, and as he walked upstairs, the sounds of conversation from below still reached his ears.

Leda asked, "Why are you just getting here?"

Roseanne didn't go into details. "Ran into a bit of trouble."

"Did you see Owen?" Leda knew Owen lived nearby but was unaware they were neighbors.

Roseanne affirmed with a nod.

Her demeanor was open and honest, and hearing that, Leda didn't pry further, instead shifting the conversation toward where to eat, eventually deciding on a Thai restaurant.

During the meal, Leda vented about her recent dating experiences. "One pretentious lot after another, acting like they're on top of the world. Why hasn't someone just wiped out these do-nothing trust-fund babies?"

Everyone in their circle knew Leda

loved the high life. Her sudden pivot to going on arranged dates had everyone watching, waiting for her to slip up. Those she met were hardly welcoming, their attitudes suggesting she should settle down and not seek attention, minding her home affairs.

Laughing off her frustration, Leda exclaimed, "So, I spilled all their dirty secrets in anger." Being from the same social circle, they know each other's business.

Roseanne wasn't surprised, knowing Leda's fiery nature. "No wonder the gossip columns have been so lively."

Whether it was the Lumina family's scandal or a tax evasion case, even Roseanne, buried in her studies, had caught wind of it.

"They can only blame themselves," Leda sighed, "Our family is among the elite, and even I'm not spared from the constant marriage nagging by my parents. It's exhausting."

"But let's not just talk about me. You might not know, but my aunt is equally worried about Owen's marriage prospects, always finding new ways to set him up."

Roseanne pondered for a moment. 'Is Owen being set up? It's hard to imagine.'

"But Owen is hardly ever home,

giving his mom little chance to meddle," teda shrugged, "I'm quite curious to see what kind of girl. Owen who seems isolated from the outside world and never dated, will end up with."

Suddenly, Roseanne recalled the encounter in the hallway. Owen appeared aloof, almost celestial, yet he was considerate, detailed, and warm. Whoever would win his heart must indeed be exceptional.

...

Time flew by, and December arrived in a blink. The entrance exams for graduate studies were upon them.

Bellwood's winter was damp and drearily cold. Despite snow forecasts the previous week, only a smattering of sleet had fallen. By the day of the exam, the roads were icy.

Roseanne bundled up in a thick down jacket, wrapped a cashmere scarf around her neck, donned gloves, and slipped into warm snow boots before leaving her place.