Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

And from the conversations between her and her mom, Roseanne didn't hear any concern for the author from the publisher, just oppression and manipulative tactics. "Can we, please? Can we, please~"

"Alright, I'll send it over when we get home. Just worried you might not have the patience to read through it!"

Roseanne promised, "Absolutely not!"

When they got home, Norris was out front, struggling with hanging the holiday garlands. He couldn't get the full picture, but Roseanne tilted her head and noticed, "Dad, it looks a bit crooked."

"A bit to the left."

Madge got out of the car, tsking and shaking her head, "I think it's too high. You should move it down a bit."

Norris obediently shifted the garland down a few inches, only to hear Madge say, "No, now it's too low. A bit higher."

Roseanne chimed in, "That looks about right."

After Norris finished, he stepped down from the ladder and checked both sides, feeling something was off, "Does it not align properly?"

Madge spotted the mistake. "...did you hang them up wrong?"

saying, "...seems like I

the garlands meant for the lobby and the front door, making them asymmetrical. No

go, brain stops working the

Norris was speechless.

but snort,

Christmas Eve.

was kneading dough, preparing Roseanne's favorite beef pies with thin wrappers and generous filling,

chop, fish, along with local favorites like pork and beef pies. By

the meal, Roseanne started to clean up, but Madge quickly stopped her, "Don't bother, go watch TV in the living room. Your dad and I got this."

opened snacks, and placed them in a basket for easy

Roseanne opened the window,

fireworks bloom and

the night sky,

hands, basking in the

Suddenly, her phone vibrated.

Leda. Roseanne smiled

a video

was slightly curled, wearing a pearl clip, a departure from her usual style, demure and ladylike, obviously toned down for the holidays. Roseanne guessed right away; Leda only dressed down when meeting