Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"It's no big deal. Once we get the payment, we'll have more flexibility with our funds, then we can just pay a premium to buy it from someone else," Raven's husband, Jack, said with an optimism that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Raven bit her lip, wanting to protest - who buys a lakefront villa second-hand for their dream home?

But with Jack having laid out their financial predicament so plainly, and their company currently in a tight spot, Raven reluctantly let it go. Yet, the dream of owning a lakefront villa nestled itself deeply in her heart. The dilemma of wanting it without having the means gnawed at her.

"Are you sure it's a lakefront villa?" Raven pressed, double-checking over the phone.

Abbey, on the other end, couldn't help but smirk. "See? Everyone's shocked. The underdog Norris family snagging a villa. The contract's as clear as day; I saw it with my own eyes! And Madge admitted it herself. Said it was a gift from their daughter, Roseanne. Oh, why can't I have such a capable daughter?"

"Never underestimate Anne. She's outdoing even Halley!" Abbey exclaimed, comparing Roseanne to another local success story.

Halley had his own business but hadn't pulled off something as grand as gifting his parents a villa.

devoted. But does she have

from the villa and onto when

Irving

good," Raven agreed, and they ended

phone, and Irving frowned. "Why are you broadcasting this? It's

big news within the family! Why wouldn't I share that Norris bought a villa? It's a celebration,"

too well and suspected

hidden. "Let's see if they. can

next day,

Norris household