Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne always appreciated a no-nonsense attitude, so her straightforward request was no surprise. "Ms. Payne has left the hospital, and I'm in the dark about her whereabouts. I was hoping you could accompany me for a visit if it's not too much trouble..."

Her gaze flickered slightly, adding, "And if Ms. Payne gets heated, maybe you could help calm things down. You know, for health's sake."

The hint of a smile seemed to play at the corners of Owen's mouth when he heard that.

Roseanne continued, "I understand you're busy. So, you can set the time."

Owen nodded. "Alright, how about the day after tomorrow?"

Roseanne expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt thanks.

Cradling her lemonade, she suddenly asked, "Why... why are you willing to help me?"

Owen met her gaze with his brown, expressive eyes. When Roseanne thought he might not respond, he began, "Because you're Roseanne." Roseanne was surprised.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

"Ms. Payne once mentioned," he said, sipping his coffee, "that she has three regrets in life. One is that the vastness of scientific research exceeds the short span of life. Two is having no children, and three is Roseanne."

Roseanne was stunned, her fingertips digging into her palm.

Owen's piercing gaze observed her, filled with a profound curiosity that quickly settled back into tranquility. It was his first encounter with Roseanne, yet it wasn't the first time he had heard her name. What made this girl, mentioned in the same breath as life, research, and family, so significant to Ms. Payne?

Roseanne's throat felt dry as she slightly lowered her gaze. She could almost envision the disappointment mixed with regret in Madeleine's eyes when Madeleine spoke of her.

Owen passed Roseanne a piece of paper with some numbers scribbled on it. "Here's my cell number."

Roseanne glanced at it, noting the elegant handwriting.

"Here's your tiramisu," announced the waiter as he set down the dessert, stealing a covert glance at the patrons seated before him.

The man's handsome face bore a hint of indifference tinged with impatience. The woman across from him donned a chic, red Dior mini skirt and clutched a Hermes Birkin in white, exuding an air of affluent upbringing.

She seemed oblivious to the man's growing irritation, chattering away non-stop,

"Murray, I heard from your mother that you've got stomach issues. Our family happens to know a specialist for that, so maybe..."

Murray fiddled with his lighter, offering occasional responses. He had agreed to the blind date arranged by his mother, intending not to cause a scene. However, he found himself utterly disinterested in what the woman was saying.

His gaze wandered until it landed on Roseanne sitting with another man a few tables away. Unable to hear their conversation, he could still make out the faint smile on her face. The previously tolerable noise around him suddenly became unbearably loud, worsening his mood.

Murray scoffed, shifting his gaze away. "I should be going."

Owen was busy, and sparing thirty minutes was already stretching his limits. Roseanne showed understanding, and they both stood up to leave.

Exiting the restaurant, Owen courteously held the door open for her. What a fine gentleman.

Roseanne smiled. "Thank you."

As they reached the curb, Owen announced, "My car's here."

Roseanne nodded. "See you the day after tomorrow."

She watched Owen drive away before turning to leave, only to unexpectedly lock eyes with someone. The look in those eyes was mocking and chilly. "Moved on so quickly, have you?"