Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 738

But—

So what?

Feelings aren't just a side dish or a game for entertainment. Once you enter the game, you have to be all in.

But she had so many projects to finish, so many experiments left undone.

The vast ocean of Science, the towering peaks of Nature—she had just barely cracked open the gates of academia, taking the first tentative steps into the uncharted territory of research.

So much left unfinished, waiting for her attention. Who had the time or energy to fall in love?

Owen Reynolds listened, a slight heaviness settling in his heart.

But it wasn't unexpected.

If she had jumped in easily, she wouldn't be Roseanne.

“I understand.” He exhaled, a slow smile spreading across his face, reaching his eyes.

Roseanne grinned back, "Professor, was the apple pie sweet?"

Owen Reynolds nodded, "Sweet."

"Then next time, I'll treat you again."

"Sure."

They said their goodbyes at the doorstep, each retreating into their own world.

Roseanne immediately unwrapped the bouquet of blue roses, dividing them into two vases.

Paired with the baby's breath she already had, the blue and white combination was a refreshing sight.

She placed one vase on her coffee table.

Then she knocked on Owen Reynolds' door with the other vase in hand, "Professor, for you. It’ll look great on your TV stand."

Owen Reynolds looked down to see the striking blue roses paired with the crisp, clean baby's breath, reminiscent of a clear sky with white clouds—a pure, breathtaking beauty.

For a moment, he was unsure whether to be surprised or amused.

Surprised that she would share half the flowers with him.

Amused that Corley's elaborate scheme was, in her eyes, just another ordinary day.

Just like his earlier tentative confession, which she had brushed off with gentle ease.

After a while, Owen Reynolds rose from the couch, took out a lighter, and lit the candles anyway.

One by one, the flames flickered to life, and he turned off the lights.

The soft glow painted the room in warm hues.

The vase on the TV stand, with its blue roses and baby's breath, appeared even more enchanting in the candlelight, complementing each other perfectly.

Owen Reynolds felt a twinge of disappointment, but not sadness.

She once loved Murray, now she loves academia, loves research.

What about the future?

Anything is possible.

That night, Roseanne had a sweet dream.

Owen Reynolds, too, let his thoughts drift into the warm glow of the candlelight.

Until the candles burned out, and he tidied up the remnants of rose petals before retreating to his bedroom, slowly sinking into sleep.

And in his dreams, she was there.