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Hot pink, both tacky and outdated, no fancy packaging could save its inherent shoddiness.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

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

scarf with uneven stitches that fell short of even the most

this monstrosity? What era is this from, and you're telling me you plan to

which seemed completely out of place with their home's

it was her first encounter with a

with the hot pink? Even the family

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 such

wore was

on her earrings, mostly custom-made or at least designer. How could such a crude

she's pregnant

hadn't managed it in all these years, and here was Millie, suddenly pregnant and eager to marry into their wealthy family.

eyebrow, "Wait, she called you?

Beverley nodded, puzzled.

expression turned speculative, "Think about it. Why would she

my brother doesn't want the child, and she