Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 728

Roseanne chuckled to herself, a wry smile tugging at her lips.

Owen Reynolds found his breath catching unexpectedly at that smile. It was as if he was on the brink of missing something profoundly important.

By the time they left the factory, dusk had already settled in.

The security guard had changed shifts; the jovial, witty older man had gone home, replaced by a young guy who seemed a bit shy. He silently took their keys, put them away, and opened the gate for them.

The evening sky was a tapestry of darkening hues, with bare branches lining the road adding to the scene's quiet solitude.

Roseanne and Owen Reynolds walked side by side, an unspoken silence enveloping them.

Owen Reynolds opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, unsure of how to address the shift in her mood that he sensed but couldn't quite understand. So he kept quiet, cautious not to disturb the peace.

Suddenly, Roseanne looked up with a smile, "Thank you, Professor, for the thoughtful birthday gift. It was meaningful, and I loved it. As a token of appreciation, how about I treat you to dinner? What would you like?"

Owen Reynolds watched as she transformed from introspective to cheerful in the blink of an eye.

He paused, momentarily taken aback.

Roseanne asked again, "Have you decided?"

Owen Reynolds replied, "How about some spicy Mexican food? Do you enjoy spicy food?"

"Sure, sounds great!"

After leaving the Mexican restaurant, Roseanne breathed into her hands and adjusted her scarf.

Seeing her do so, Owen Reynolds started to remove his own scarf to offer it to her as a shawl.

Roseanne stepped back with a smile, "No need, Professor, I'm warm enough."

Owen Reynolds looked puzzled, but before he could say anything, Roseanne was already striding ahead.

The night had fully descended, and the cold wind bit at them gently. The streetlights cast a soft, misty glow over everything.

They walked along the banks of the Thames River, taking a leisurely stroll.

"Yes?" Roseanne turned back, "What is it, Professor?"

"You asked why I gave you that necklace. I'd like to answer that again, if I may?"

Roseanne felt her heart skip a beat. "You..."

"Because it's your birthday, and I wanted to give you something truly special. While diamonds are beautiful, they can be bought with money and don't match your worth."

"You deserve the best and most unique gift in the world, because you are, in fact, one of a kind—the best there is."

"Professor..." Roseanne's eyes softened, her expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

Owen Reynolds continued, "There are things I want to say, things I'm scared to voice, but right now, I feel the urge to share them with you. Would you like to hear?"

Meeting his deep, earnest gaze, Roseanne's heart started racing uncontrollably.

After a moment, she grinned at him, "Alright, I'm all ears."