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 look like I have the guts for that?" Norris couldn't help but

"So, the money..."

"It's from the rain-"

stepped in from the balcony, cutting Norris off, "Why are you spilling the beans? Didn't

what

a reason. There had

was taken

and put

I was nearby." "Oh, I heard you just got

which, Roseanne, there was so much going on last time at your uncle's,

eyebrow, a trace of surprise in her tone,

back for the holidays, but are you

I'll be returning to Lumina

there? Studying? Or something

a brief pause, Roseanne replied, "Let's

a chance to study further. But without the official acceptance letter, everything remained

sounded like "lack of direction" or "hunting

concern crept into her heart as she gestured for Roseanne to come closer. "Come, Anne,