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.

"Roseanne must be very devoted. But does she have that

from the villa and onto when she could

I'll have Irving drive

Raven agreed, and

you

the family! Why wouldn't I share

his wife too well and suspected there

hidden. "Let's see if they. can keep their story straight when

next day, as

the Norris