Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 831

Madge smiled. "Peeling some fruit is no trouble at all—it'll be ready in a minute."

She was mindful that both chefs had already gone home for the holidays. It was only fair to give them a break and let them catch their breath at this time of year.

With that, she made her way to the kitchen.

The old woman watched her daughter's retreating figure, unable to look away, a gentle smile tugging at her lips.

After months of treatment—and her own determined cooperation-her eyesight had improved rapidly. Reading small print or paperbacks was still a challenge, but watching TV and recognizing people in daily life posed no problem anymore.

She felt endlessly grateful that she'd listened to advice and hadn't given up on the treatments. If she had...

Now, she found she simply couldn't get enough of looking at her daughter.

"Mom, the weather's been so cold lately, and I know you've always preferred milder winters. I heard there's a lovely place in Thornhaven that's perfect for escaping the chill. Why not let me take you and Dad there for a while after the holidays?"

With Madge gone, Kathleen's eyes lit up. She sat down beside her mother, wearing a bright smile.

But as Kathleen drew close, Geneva's smile faded a little. "That's not necessary. We're perfectly comfortable at home. If your father and I want a change, we can arrange it ourselves. You don't need to worry."

can make your own plans, but... I just

not planning to travel anytime soon," Geneva said flatly,

Kathleen's fingers tightened around each other. "Is

at dinner, but watching her parents dote on Madge —and even treat Norris, practically a stranger, better than her

she couldn't hold

a cold laugh. “Mom,

do you dislike me so much? Is it because Madge and I went away together, and only I came back? Would you have been happier if I'd gone missing, too-if

you'd finally let go of

me again. But

same... What did I do wrong to deserve

on

Her parents showed extra tenderness

precious one, while she was nothing but a

voice slow and deliberate.

with a

some. Before she could finish, Kathleen cut in, "Madge, come help me for a. moment. I brought a lot of seafood and dried goods this time-Ineed to show

properly."