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.

initially. Once they paid in

taxes by marking it

hurry over. Yes,

there, and whose name went on the deed were details Roseanne and Madge couldn't care less about. They didn't even have the patience to watch Abbey's performance to the end, leaving

an hour. Madge, I'm telling you, the design of the front and back yards is simply

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

held up a bit, we're

parents sign the contract and make the payment, Abbey and Irving

In the car-

leaned back, exhaling

difference between today and tomorrow? Dragging them all the way here,

already dark..."

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

but smile, "Hey, tell me, don't you

Who wouldn't want a

want it,

scheming, asking, "What are you