Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Mack couldn't contain his excitement.

Not only had he boxed up the purchase, but he'd also included a gift bag.

"Take care now! Come back soon-"noveldrama

Waving at the man's retreating figure, Mack then leaned into his phone screen with a smug grin, boasting, "See, didn't I tell ya? My sculptures are top-notch, big bro loved it!"

【Ahem! Snap out of it! The dude's into the lady, not your clay model, geez!】

【So, did the handsome guy sneak back to buy the clay model himself?

【I bet they haven't cleared the air yet】

【Props to the detective above, I bow to you!

...

When Roseanne saw Owen Reynolds return with a bottle of water and an extra bag in hand, she couldn't help but ask, "What's that?"

Owen Reynolds replied casually, "Just picked up a little something on the way."

She didn't think much of it.

Crossing the street, they continued along the pedestrian zone towards the central business district.

Roseanne glanced at her watch; it was already four in the afternoon. Time to head back?

Just as the thought crossed her mind, Owen Reynolds mentioned, "I'll be heading to Thornhaven for a conference in a couple of days. It's warmer there, and my winter suits might not be suitable. There's a department store up ahead; could you help me pick out a lighter suit?" "Sure, why not."

It was a small favor, and Roseanne saw no reason to refuse.

The men's section was on the fifth floor, and they took the elevator straight up.

Upon entering a store, Roseanne recognized a familiar figure.

Tentatively, she called out, "Mr. Sullivan?"

Corley turned around.

set

The moment he saw Roseanne, surprise and delight flickered in his eyes, which quickly turned somber as he caught sight of Owen Reynolds beside her. Content

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belongs to

"Fancy meeting you here, Roseanne." He then smiled at Owen Reynolds, "Good to see you again, Mr. Reynolds. What brings you here?"

Roseanne replied, "Looking for a lighter suit for the professor. Are you shopping as well?"

"Yeah. Trying to pick out a pair of

dress shoes for my dad, but..." A perfectly timed look of

et

embarrassment crossed his face "I'm not great at choosing. Maybe you could help? If he knows you picked them, he's sure to love them."

Roseanne, recalling her brief encounter with Neely and feeling an inexplicable warmth towards him, agreed readily.

And so, what was meant to be a shopping trip for two became a trio outing.

Roseanne flanked by two tall and handsome men, felt like she was in a TV

handma, especially after

vel

catching countless glances from passersby.

After a moment's thought, she decided-

"Dress shoes and suits are sold separately. Maybe you guys could first decide on your favorite brands? Then I can help choose the styles?"

Otherwise, hopping from one store to another without satisfaction was just a waste of time.

Familiar brands meant guaranteed quality and comfort; Roseanne only needed to help with the style selection.

Owen Reynolds and Corley exchanged a glance, clearly both uncomfortable in the other's presence.

"Sounds like a plan, efficient and straightforward."

"I'm on board; no objections here."

With agreement reached, Corley headed to the shoe department, while Roseanne began selecting suits for Owen Reynolds.

Knowing Owen Reynolds preferred simplicity over complexity, she picked out three classic, minimalist suits for him.

The man's tall and lean figure made the suits look even more dashing than on the display mannequins.

After trying on all three, Roseanne found each suited him perfectly.

Struggling to decide, she weighed each option against the man, finding merits in all.

The gray was sophisticated, the blue noble, and the dark gray composed.

"Professor, which one do you prefer?" Roseanne looked up to ask him.