Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Grace watched Murray disappear into the city's hustle. Only today did she realize he drove a Porsche, wore a custom Armani suit, and had a Patek Philippe on his wrist... Her eyes then fell on the cake in her hands, deepening with a touch of contemplation. Elsewhere, Roseanne had skipped school not just for leisure but to accompany Madge on a shopping spree. She had arranged it with her professors, missing only a summary session of last week's group project. Mamie and Scales could cover for her, so her leave was

With the book signing tomorrow, it had been years since Madge attended such a formal event. She rifled through her wardrobe, feeling none of her outfits were quite right. It wasn't that they weren't suitable, but they lacked a certain flair.

kindly approved.

Norris, ever the sincere husband, reassured her, "Honey, you look stunning in anything. Really!" This time, however, Madge wasn't swayed into laughter by his compliment.

Roseanne caught on instantly: "Mom, let's buy something new! With all the malls in Lumina City, we're bound to find something you love!" Madge's eyes sparkled with excitement: "Oh, yes, let's go!"

Norris, scratching his head in bewilderment, wondered why his usual flattery suddenly fell short.

At the SKP Mall, the family of three ascended in the panoramic elevator, watching the luxury brands on the ground floor shrink into the distance until the mall's grand layout unfolded before them, leaving Madge in awe of its vastness.

third floors, but they were inadvertently taken to the fourth. Nearby, a bookstore caught Madge's attention, and

read "SKP RENDEZ-VOUS," indicating a blend of a bookstore, café, and bistro. Upon entering, they were greeted by the rich aroma of coffee. The store was a fusion of culinary delights, books,

Madge

poster for

entrance, accompanied by exaggerated buzzwords like "explosive," "hit," and "trending.", Though Stoner had mentioned the book's success over the phone, seeing it dominate the prime spot among

turned to her daughter, "Is... is that my

purchased a copy

it to her, "Here, flip through it. It'll feel real in no

through a few pages, then looked up smiling. "It

for Madge but for Norris too. "Me?" He

you're accompanying

tomorrow. What