Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 840
"Happy New Year, Roseanne."
The man's voice flowed through the quiet like a cello's low notes, resonant and intimate in the hush of midnight.
All around her, the world was silent-except for that rich, velvet timbre.
Roseanne's ear tingled at the sound. She scratched absently, switching her phone to the other side.
"Happy New Year, Professor."
Just then, from inside her apartment, the collective countdown of the television hosts echoed out-
"Five... four... three... two-"
And as "one" rang out, Owen Reynolds spoke again. "Roseanne, look up."
She obeyed without thinking.
Then, the sky exploded into color. Fireworks blossomed above, each burst cascading down like a thousand stars flung over the
city.
"Oh my God-Lumina City actually allowed fireworks this year?!"
"Wait, look-those aren't regular fireworks, they're digital!"
"Didn't the news say that large-scale digital fireworks weren't technically possible yet? How did they pull this off so soon?"
"Well, they must've cracked it!"
"These are gorgeous! And there's not even a whiff of gunpowder!"
"Anyone else notice? The digital fireworks linger longer, and they fall closer to the ground-it almost feels like you could reach out
and touch them..."
"Does this mean we'll get fireworks every New Year's Eve from now on?"

"Of course! Now that the tech works, why wouldn't they use it?"

Neighbors from three houses spilled out onto their lawns, their laughter and amazement blending with the sounds of fireworks
overhead, all of it braiding together into a tapestry of celebration.
Roseanne stared, spellbound.
In her dark eyes, the fireworks flared and faded, dazzling in their fleeting beauty.
But there's no need for regret, she thought. Flowers bloom and fall-everything in its time.
On the other end of the call, Owen's voice was gentle. "Roseanne, here comes our third year."
A smile spread across her lips as she watched the night sky light up. "Time flies...
I can't believe we've already spent two New Year's Eves together."
"Can we video call?" he asked.
"Of course."
His request popped up. She accepted.
Owen appeared wearing a soft turtleneck, his profile lit by warm lamplight. The
gentle glow softened his usually reserved features, making him look unexpectedly tender.
Behind them, fireworks kept blooming, painting half the sky in color.
Suddenly, Owen laughed.
Roseanne grinned. "What's so funny, Professor?"
"Isn't it natural to smile when you're happy?"
She nodded. "It is."
"I thought you'd ask what I'm happy about."
"No need. Isn't everyone happy on New Year's?"
Wasn't it obvious?

But Owen shook his head. "No."

"Hm?"
"It's not New Year's that makes me happy."
"Then what is it?"
"It's spending New Year's with you."
Roseanne froze.
Owen hesitated, then began, "Roseanne, I—"
"Anne! Come inside! It's freezing out there.
window you
can watch from the Geneva's voice called from
indoors. Content belo called
"Coming, Gran!" Roseanne replied.
She turned back to Owen. "Professor, what were you about to say?"
"...It's nothing. Go inside."
"All right."
"Good night."
"See you."
"Norris, who are you on the phone with? And why are you out here?"
Neville Reynolds stepped into the garden, cigarette in hand, surprised to find his younger brother standing alone in the cold,
wearing nothing but a sweater, chatting and smiling at his phone as if the chill didn't touch him.

He'd thought about edging closer, maybe catching a bit of the conversation.
But before he could get near, the call ended.
Owen frowned. "What are you doing out here?"
Neville waggled his cigarette.
"You should cut back. That stuff's terrible for you."
Neville couldn't help but laugh at his brother's solemn tone. "Not smoking
I be even worse."
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