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.

the deed, it could be in her parents' names initially.

bypass some taxes by marking it

settled. Mom, Dad, hurry over. Yes, near

who ended up living 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

It's been over an hour. Madge, I'm telling you, the design of the front and back yards is simply amazing! I just

voice, Madge couldn't help but feel eager.

a bit, we're on our

sign the contract and make the payment, Abbey and Irving drove them back home. Only

In the car-

exhaling

you so pushy about your parents buying a house? What's the difference between today and tomorrow? Dragging them all

already dark..."

hot property;

"Hey, tell

and said, "What kind of question is that? Who wouldn't want a nice house? The real issue

want it, I want

to her scheming, asking, "What