Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

After dropping Millie off at school, Beverley reminded her to stay safe and watch out for her tummy before instructing the driver, "Let's head back." "Of course, ma'am."

Seated in the back, Beverley glanced at the hideously ugly scarf beside her and couldn't help but grimace.

The more she looked at it, the less she liked it, promptly tossing it under the seat as if it were something revolting.

Thinking of Millie, Beverley sighed. Her looks were average, and her manners lacked grace. To put it nicely, she was a "plain Jane"; to be blunt, she was "petty." Her gaze inadvertently fell back on the scarf-

Hot pink, both tacky and outdated, no fancy packaging could save its inherent shoddiness.

She had to admit, coming from a humble background did have its limitations.

Recalling the gifts Roseanne used to give her-silk scarves, jewelry, handbags, each item exquisite and perfectly suited for her, it was clear they were chosen with care... With that thought, Beverley mentally scoffed!

Why was she even thinking about that unfortunate thing?!

...

"Ma'am, we're home."

entered, Hertha greeted her, eyeing the elegantly wrapped box in her hands,

opened, it revealed a hot pink scarf with uneven stitches that fell short of even the most

is this from, and you're telling me you plan to wear this

between her fingers, which seemed completely

it was her first encounter with a

was nauseating. What was with the hot pink? Even the family

from your brother's girlfriend. She said something about a handmade gift being more meaningful. I think she's just too stingy to spend money using this

for the fact she's carrying my grandchild, why would I ever accept

wore was

to the diamonds on her earrings, mostly custom-made or at least designer.

Hertha gasped, "You mean she's pregnant with

Roseanne hadn't managed it in all these years, and here was Millie, suddenly pregnant and eager to marry into their wealthy family. Beverley shared, "I only found out today. If she hadn't called me, I'd still be in

an eyebrow, "Wait, she called you?

Beverley nodded, puzzled.

"Think about it. Why would she

the child, and