Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Although she was still swiping her son's supplementary credit card, Beverly felt it was a significant upgrade from the last time when she hadn't spent a dime and only gifted a scarf.

As they strolled into a high-end fashion boutique, the sales associate, with a keen eye for potential big spenders, spotted Beverly immediately.

With a welcoming smile, the associate approached, "Ma'am, may I assist you with anything? These are our latest designs, luxurious and elegant, just like your aura."

Beverly, wearing a chic black Gucci coat and draped in pearls, oozed elegance.

"Sure, I'll try these two on," she responded.

Millie had just reluctantly paid for several designer bags for Beverly, maintaining a calm demeanor despite the internal anguish.

Tens of thousands of dollars!

She had never indulged in such extravagance before.

Even though she was using Murray's supplementary card, she was cautious not to appear greedy, only daring to use it for prenatal check-ups and maternity needs, occasionally splurging on minor items, never venturing into such lavish spending. To date, the only luxury bags she owned were gifts from Murray and Beverly.

Their mansion's master bedroom boasted a wall full of Hermès bags in every conceivable shade and material, but Murray forbade her from touching them.

might be thinking. Just a bit of money

in modest families tend to be penny-pinchers

indulge oneself was another. If Millie had boldly used the card for her own purchases, Beverly would have respected her audacity. Unfortunately, longing for something yet not daring to admit it, coveting yet pretending

the child she was carrying, Beverly decided to let it slide, pointing to a display area, "See anything you like? Pick something for

a rush of excitement, though

grew irritated,

This wasn't how she had

joy, "Mrs Reynolds, you're here? We were just about to arrange for our staff to bring the season's new collection to your home

What?

forehead creased as she

pearl shawl and carrying a designer clutch, Nola

a classical painting.

of scholars, Nola exuded a gentle and serene demeanor. Though she was over forty, her careful upkeep made her appear barely in her

social circle of Lumina, the Reynolds and the Sherwood families often

acquaintance was not particularly

the status of the Reynolds family, always stood out, relegating others, including Beverly,

who married into the Sherwood family through pregnancy, opportunistic and