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.

in contrast, carried just a single handbag, looking every bit the

think she was a lady of leisure and Norris her devoted butler. But the

some of those!" Madge reached for the bags for what must have been the tenth

need! It's really not that much. I've got it. You just

even hefted the bags a little, looking ridiculously pleased

pouted, "No, I want to

was adamant, "Nope. I'm not

"No-"

"No-"

approached just in time to hear her parents bickering

I help you with some of

to satisfy

Roseanne blinked in confusion.

in the end, she wound

made their way out to the wide, open parking lot, the

a while and had missed her

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

food-I've definitely gained a few pounds." Roseanne grinned and clasped Madge's hand, swaying it back and

playful, childlike gesture.

mention of Geneva, Madge's expression softened.

Are they

it used to be. The slightest breeze would make her eyes