Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Nola had long grown accustomed to the way people talked in these gatherings, never taking comments personally. With a smile that could disarm even the most cynical, she said, "Being idle at home all day, might as well kill some time with a little party. With the whole tea

culture craze going on, I thought why not have a tea-themed gathering?"

"Dear Silver, you rarely join these kinds of get-togethers. Your presence today is quite the honor. Please, come inside—"

Nola's words were as sweet as honey, her sincerity making it hard even for Silver, who usually didn't see eye to eye with her, to find fault.

Shortly after, Beverley arrived with Millie in tow.

A new face always sparked curiosity among the ladies-

"Beverley, who's this?"

"Where did this young lady come from? She looks so fresh-faced!"

Beverley, having prepared her introduction in advance, cheerfully said, "This is a friend's daughter, Millie. She's studying at Grandstone Institute."

Millie promptly greeted everyone with a warm smile.

"Ah, still a student? No wonder she looks so young and radiant."

"Indeed, and a student at Grandstone Institute, no less. It's not easy for girls to get into Grandstone these days, you know."

known for its science and engineering programs, typically attracted more male than female students,

meant it was somewhat less challenging

kind of compliment was

were oblivious to

knowing looks, their faces smiling but their eyes

derision in

right? Totally out of style. Where did

And for this occasion?

show, like mother-in-law,

think they were

getting a college girl pregnant was all over

the nerve to bring her out in the open,

a feeble

out, preferring to see how Beverley would play it out. After all, this was prime gossip material, too good not to share! They could hardly wait to recount the story to their relatives over dinner, relishing

spectacle, Beverley mistakenly thought

glitz for the first time,

quite

isn't Mrs. Reynolds?" Beverley said, making her way to Silver's side and taking a seat without waiting for an invitation. "You're

the discord within

my friend,' and attempted to charm

color suits you so