Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 824

Roseanne had been working nonstop through the holidays, only managing to stay away from the lab three days before New Year's Eve.

And that was because-

Norris and Madge had just arrived from Pinehollow.

The couple had already agreed that this year, they'd be spending New Year's Eve in Lumina City, keeping Neely and Geneva company.

Roseanne had no idea how Norris had managed to convince his parents and his two older brothers, but, somehow, he and Madge had made it to Lumina City together.

They were supposed to arrive two weeks earlier, but right before they were set to leave, Madge was suddenly struck by inspiration and locked herself away for a week. After that, she had to attend a book signing in Luminis, which delayed them even further.

The next morning, Roseanne drove out to the train station.

It was peak holiday season, and the station was packed with people surging in every direction. Roseanne waited for about ten minutes before she finally spotted Norris and Madge making their way through the crowd.

"Dad-Mom!"

She jumped up and waved.

Madge stood out easily-tall and striking in a bright red coat, impossible to miss in the sea of travelers.

Next to her, Norris was half a head taller, pushing a suitcase and juggling several more bags in his hands.

single handbag, looking every bit the part of

she was a lady of leisure

reached for the bags

Norris sidestepped her hand, insisting, "No need! It's really not that much. I've got it. You just walk

prove his point, he even hefted the

pouted, "No, I want to

was adamant, "Nope. I'm not

"No-"

"No-"

hear her parents bickering over

I help you with some

to satisfy

Roseanne blinked in confusion.

the end, she wound up

the three of them

in a while and

Roseanne's face, then delivered the line that mothers everywhere seemed destined to say: "Why do

pounds." Roseanne grinned and clasped Madge's hand, swaying it

playful, childlike gesture.

Geneva, Madge's expression softened. "How are

they both

it used to be. The slightest breeze would make her eyes water, and any change in temperature seemed to bother