Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Mrs. Thomas was buzzing with excitement, a rare sight since Silver seldom joined such gatherings, and even when he did, it was usually just for show.

After brewing a pot of tea with such care, naturally, she wanted to savor it properly.

Roseanne approached the duo, and as she glanced up, her gaze met Silver's head-on.

Silver was taken aback at first, perhaps a tad embarrassed, then let out a snort through his nose, tinged with a hint of arrogance.

However, to Roseanne, this superficial haughtiness likely served to mask that flicker of discomfort.

Mrs. Thomas chimed in, "Ms. Cole, how do you find the tea?"

Roseanne rinsed her mouth before taking a sip.

After a pause, she honestly critiqued, "The tea leaves are overbearing, not enough water, resulting in a brew that's too dark and bitter. Plus, it seems the pot wasn't pre-warmed, or the temperature wasn't quite right, so the full aroma of the tea isn't coming through." Mrs. Thomas burst into laughter, "I told you skipping steps would change the taste, and you insisted it'd go unnoticed. Well, Ms. Cole noticed, didn't he?"

Silver's face darkened.

Even though Roseanne spoke the truth without malice, was there a need to be so blunt?

she have been a

laughed even harder and said, "I

Silver was speechless.

anyone, had already moved on to taste

...

the elite ladies, genuinely praised, feeling a mix of envy

ladies, striving for years to be able

a tea ceremony

Why?

irked her most

to the adulation and

fair assessments

or flattering, even when her feedback wasn't

didn't seem to mind, instead

The world had turned

apologizing, dared not speak. Her

having Roseanne as a daughter-in-law might not be so bad, certainly better than