Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Alva kicked off her shoes and slipped into a pair of cozy house slippers, her gaze sweeping over the living room. She noticed several large cardboard boxes tucked in a corner, perfectly packed and sealed. Without a word, she settled onto the couch. "Norris, Madge, what's going on here... a spring cleaning spree?"

Madge offered a light chuckle, "Nope, just sorting out some linens and clothes."

"All packed up?" Alva's curiosity piqued as she nodded towards the boxes. "Pretty much."

"Are you guys moving or something?"

"Yes."

"Where to?"

Norris and Madge exchanged a glance, realizing there was no point in keeping secrets. Besides, it was bound to come out sooner or later.

"We're moving to that new development nearby, Riverview Estates," Norris disclosed.

"A penthouse or something?"

"No," Norris shook his head, "a villa."

Alva's expression shifted perfectly to reveal just the right amount of surprise, as if she was hearing the news for the first time. "Norris, where did you get that kind of money? Even the most basic villa there is like a million bucks, you..." She paused, a look of concern washing over her, "You haven't done anything illegal, have you?"

I have the guts for that?" Norris

"So, the money..."

"It's from the rain-"

from the balcony, cutting Norris off, "Why are you spilling the beans? Didn't you think to ask

Alva, what

she wouldn't visit without a reason. There had to be something

Alva was

Roseanne to interrupt and put her

a client meeting and thought I'd drop by since I was nearby." "Oh, I heard

was so much going on

trace of surprise in her tone, "What did you want

for the holidays, but are you heading

as planned, I'll be returning to

there? Studying?

replied, "Let's just say I'm exploring

chance to study further. But without the official acceptance letter, everything remained uncertain. Roseanne despite her confidence,

of direction"

heart as she gestured for Roseanne