Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Hey, here she comes." Roseanne had just taken a quick trip to the restroom and upon returning, spotted Nola waving at her from inside the store.

Beverley was momentarily taken aback.

Following Nola's gaze, sure enough, she spotted a familiar face.

Sue! Yum! Min!

Millie had also caught sight of her.

Today, Roseanne was sporting a light makeup look, complemented by a camel trench coat and brown suede boots. Her hair was casually pinned up with a claw clip.

She exuded a sense of comfortable laziness, a unique relaxed vibe.

"Nola," Roseanne approached, naturally linking arms with her, "Sorry, have you been waiting long?"

She blatantly ignored Beverley and Millie, not even sparing them a glance.

Beverley's thoughts drifted to how casually Roseanne had broken up, while her son couldn't stop reminiscing and even harbored hopes of rekindling their romance, which infuriated her! At this moment, Millie, ever so observant and considerate, poured a cup of tea and offered it, "Beverley, must be tiring after all that shopping, huh? Have some water, quench your thirst." Beverley chuckled, "Oh, our Millie is such a darling, not only beautiful but so thoughtful too. Not like some people, completely lacking basic manners."

Nola, catching the indirect jab, smiled subtly, "Mrs. Sherwood, and who might this be?" Her gaze fell on Millie, "Won't you introduce us?" Beverley hesitated.

Sure, Millie was carrying Murray's child, but at the moment, she was without an official title. To put it nicely, she was his girlfriend; less nicely, a mistress.

How could she possibly introduce Millie? And if Nola let slip that her son's mistress was out shopping with her, how could she ever face her social circles again? These ladies always harped on about "legitimate offspring." If they found out she was aiding her son in keeping a mistress and even had an illegitimate child, then... Millie was filled with anticipation.

What she valued most was "status." Murray wouldn't give it, but having ingratiated herself so well with

swnool.net

Beverley, and after spending a fortune today, she should be able to gain her acknowledgment, right?

But then, the next second-

Beverley: "A friend's kid, just accompanying me shopping."

Millie's smile froze.

Nola responded, "Oh, I see. I thought she might be your future daughter-in-law."Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"Hardly," Beverley laughed nervously, "My Murray isn't seeing anyone yet."

Nola didn't press further, turning to Roseanne, "Anne, you've got a great eye. Help me pick out a few outfits?" "Sure thing." Roseanne was accustomed to shopping with Nola, well aware of her preferences and what suited her.

As Roseanne went off to select

clothes, Nola suddenly remarked,

"Our Roseanne is just so sweet and sensible. Plus, she's beautiful and well-educated. I wonder which lucky man will get to marry her in the future."

After saying this, she briefly glanced at Millie, thinking everyone in their circle was oblivious to the Sherwood family son's scandal.

Beverley wanted to keep it under wraps, but Nola wasn't about to let her have her way.

"That being said, it really proves that self-respect is crucial for girls. No matter how pretty, getting pregnant before marriage can really tarnish someone's moral reputation." Beverley's smile stiffened, and she found herself unable to retort.

Millie's face turned pale.

Her premarital pregnancy was an undeniable blemish, not to mention her educational background paled in comparison.

Roseanne, at the very least, was an

undergraduate from Kingswell University and was now pursuing her master's. Millie, a mere graduate from Grandstone Institute, couldn't hold a candle to her.

But if Millie were to swallow her pride and say nothing, she couldn't stand it either!

Seeing a sales associate bring clothes over for Beverley, Millie's eyes lit up with an idea, and she approached with a smile, "Let me help with that."