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."

and engineering programs,

it was somewhat less challenging

kind of compliment

Millie, they were oblivious

looks, their faces smiling

the derision

three years ago, right? Totally out

for this occasion? It's both plain and

to show, like

they

a college girl pregnant was all over the social

Beverley had the nerve to bring her out in the open, calling her a "friend's

a feeble attempt

all, this was prime gossip material, too good not to

of the audience's anticipation of a spectacle,

of glitz for the first time, was

is quite the

Beverley said, making her way to Silver's side and taking a seat without waiting for

about the discord within

enemy is my friend,' and attempted to charm her: "Oh, your silk brocade skirt

suits