Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne was speechless.

Did Leda do that on purpose? How else could a call directly land in Owen's hands?

Anyone else wouldn't have made it here so fast!

Ten minutes later.

After making sure Leda was settled, Roseanne tiptoed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Turning around, she saw Owen sitting on the living room couch, his gaze fixed on a cluster of beer cans yet to be cleaned up.

"Did she drink all these by herself?" His voice wasn't exactly harsh, but Roseanne felt an undeniable pressure.

She told the truth, "I had a few sips myself."

"Just a few sips?" Owen looked at her steadily, his gaze piercing.

Roseanne gave up the pretense: "Ahem! Two cans... that's not too much, right? But honestly, I'm not drunk."

Leda got drunk partly because she was feeling down and sought solace in alcohol, and partly because she mixed the cabinet's wine with the beer, which intensified the effect. Owen also felt a bit of a headache: "You sit here; I'll take care of the table."

Perhaps because of the alcohol, Roseanne was a bit slow to react. By the time she realized what he said, Owen had already rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning efficiently. She hesitated for a moment then decided to obediently sit down on the couch.

By the time Owen had finished cleaning up, it was already nine in the evening.

He said, "Wait for me a moment, I'll go take out the trash."

As he opened the door, Roseanne also stood up: "I'll come with you. I could use some fresh air."

Owen glanced at her, "Put on a jacket."

"Oh, right!"

In the dimly lit hallway, Owen led the way with Roseanne a few steps behind.

The man's tall figure cast a long shadow on the floor under the side lighting, and Roseanne stepped into his shadow, following him forward.

"This afternoon, your mother called me." Suddenly, Owen broke the silence.

"Is it about the blind date thing?"

Before, Leda had complained a few times, and Roseanne guessed it might be related.

Owen hummed in affirmation.

Once downstairs, after disposing of the trash, the two walked side by side. Instead of heading back, they followed the street lights, walking forward. "With the Reynolds family's status today, there's no need for a marriage alliance to achieve anything, and Leda knows this well."

That's why she couldn't understand Nola's insistence on marriage.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Yet, in Nola's eyes, even if the family didn't need a marriage alliance, the old family tradition of matching social status was sacrosanct!

She herself came from a

distinguished family and followed her family's arrangement to marry Desmond Reynolds. She didn't feel dominated by her family, nor did she harbor any resentment; on the contrary, she was quite satisfied With her marriage.

Indeed, her choice was proven right.

Her husband was not only gentle and stable but also loving and doting towards her.

Because she enjoyed the benefits of "matching social status," she hoped her daughter could have the same smooth path in marriage, without suffering the slightest bit.

However, Leda wasn't one to let others dictate her life, especially after living freely for so many years post-graduation... Roseanne pursed her lips.

"She had a big fight with her mom today; she probably won't be going back to the Reynolds household for a while."

Owen spoke calmly, "Luckily, she

has you. It keeps her from being completely adrift. I'll have to trouble you to look after her a bit more in

the coming days."

Roseanne replied, "Mr. Reynolds, you're too polite. Leda is my friend after all." She just didn't expect...