Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Ugh, can it wait till tomorrow? I promise I'll come buy it then!" Abbey said, her eyes flitting nervously.

The salesperson's demeanor cooled, "Alright, we'll talk tomorrow. But if someone else comes along and snaps it up, I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do."

Gritting her teeth, Abbey replied, "Let me just make a quick call, okay?"

"Sure."

Abbey turned and walked out of the VIP section, finding a secluded corner. Before dialing, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure Madge and her daughter couldn't overhear her. Confident, she pressed the call button-

"Hey, Dad, it's me. I went to check out Lakeside Pearl for you and Mom today... Yeah, that place that's all over Instagram! Super popular!"

"... Yeah, Irving and I both loved it. The surroundings are amazing... Seriously, it's in high demand! Maybe you guys should come over and sign the contract today? Just to be safe..."

Abbey was playing a strategic game.

The house she lived in now was decent, but compared to Lakeside Pearl, it simply didn't measure up.

Since her parents were considering moving, she planned to convince them to buy a unit at Lakeside Pearl. Then, she'd slowly persuade them to move into her current three-bedroom apartment, while she and Irving would upgrade to the new place.

After all, being an only child, everything would eventually come her way, right?

Sooner or later.

names initially. Once they

they could bypass some taxes by

settled. Mom, Dad, hurry over.

there, and whose name went on the deed were details Roseanne and Madge couldn't care less

you, the design of the front and back yards is simply amazing! I just took

but feel eager. She hadn't seen their new home

held up a bit, we're on our

payment, Abbey and Irving drove them back home. Only then did

In the car-

leaned back, exhaling

buying a house? What's the difference between today and tomorrow? Dragging

already dark..."

is hot property; miss it now, and it's gone for good. Strike while

help but smile, "Hey, tell me, don't you want to live in

of question is that? Who wouldn't want a nice house? The real issue is affording

it, I

scheming, asking, "What are