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Hot pink, both tacky and outdated, no fancy packaging could save its inherent shoddiness.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

her, eyeing the elegantly wrapped box

pink scarf with uneven stitches that fell short of even the most

and you're

the scarf between her fingers, which seemed completely out of place

first encounter

the hot pink? Even the family dog

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

my grandchild, why would I ever accept

wore was

mostly custom-made or at least designer. How could such a crude scarf ever match her

gasped, "You mean she's

these years, and here was Millie, suddenly pregnant and eager to marry into their wealthy family.

raised an eyebrow, "Wait, she

Beverley nodded, puzzled.

"Think about it. Why would she bypass my brother and come directly to you?"

likely my brother doesn't want the child, and she decided to go straight