Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Let's just sit down and chat, this is way too formal for me," Owen laughed, breaking the ice as they settled into the comfort of the living room. Roseanne couldn't help but chuckle as she took her seat.

Owen had a way of making gratitude seem so simple, yet profound. "Your cooking is something else, Roseanne. This meal? Best thanks I could've asked for." He raised his soup bowl, clinking it gently against hers in a toast before diving into the meal. He picked up a chicken wing next, marveling at its perfect crispiness, the slightly charred edges complementing the juicy interior in a burst of flavor. "Honestly, finding wings this good outside is pretty much a game of luck."

Roseanne laughed at his enthusiasm. "So, I take it you're volunteering to finish them off?"

Owen's eyebrows lifted in amusement, his smile widening. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

By the time they finished eating, it was already two in the afternoon.

They cleaned the kitchen together before heading out, Owen to his lab and Roseanne to the library.

Their paths split at the crossroads, Owen turning left and Roseanne, out of habit, started to follow him before realizing she didn't need to go to the lab anymore. Owen's laughter echoed as she blushed and hurried off into the library.

The next day, Roseanne made her way to the lab, not empty-handed but bearing homemade treats.

Her colleagues were amazed by the intricately designed cupcakes in the box - from Hello Kitty to Jerry the mouse, and even Bumblebee, each one was a miniature work of art.

"Roseanne, did you make these? They're too pretty to eat!"

Sammy, always one for joining in, spotted a cupcake designed like StellaLou, Liz's favorite.

"Can I have this one for Liz?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"Of course," Roseanne smiled, handing it over.

Jen caught on quickly. "That's for Liz, huh?"

Sammy nodded, grinning as Stoddard couldn't resist diving in, his usual disdain for sweets forgotten as he nodded in approval with each bite. "Delicious, and not too sweet," he commented, a rare compliment from him.

Roseanne took a moment to thank everyone for their support and help during her project. "I've finished my paper now, so I probably won't be coming back to the lab."

It wasn't a surprise to Jen, who had seen it coming, but it was still a quick departure.

"Don't make it sound so final," Stoddard said, clearly not ready to say goodbye to a talented student. "We're friends. We'll meet up again."

Sammy agreed, "Yeah, we'll get together soon."

Roseanne agreed, smiling at the thought.

Liz, spotting the StellaLou cupcake Sammy had saved for her and rolled her eyes secretly.

That evening, Owen hosted a dinnerTêxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

that no one wanted to skimp on, choosing a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its fusion of

elegance and gastronomy. The net

restaurant, styled like a quaint European courtyard with its intricate architecture and serene water features, provided a stunning

backdrop.

Roseanne, dressed in a lavender gown with her hair up in a neat bun, looked effortlessly graceful.

Navigating the cobblestone pathi

her heeled sandals proved a challenge, and she nearly lost her balance. Thankfully, Owen was right behind her, steadying her with a gentle hand.

Once she was back on her feet, he stepped back, asking, "All good?"

Roseanne nodded, a little flushed but grateful. "Thanks. That was a close one."