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."

own plans, but... I just

soon," Geneva said flatly, making

tightened around each other.

smile on her face at dinner, but watching her parents dote on Madge —and even treat Norris, practically a stranger, better than her had stoked a bitter resentment inside her, one she'd only kept

she couldn't hold it in

a cold laugh. “Mom, I've

and I went away together, and only I came back? Would you have been happier if I'd gone missing, too-if neither of

is home, I thought you'd finally let go of your grudges

me again. But

What did I do wrong to

voice trembled, on the verge

Her parents showed extra tenderness to their real daughter,

was Madge the precious one, while she was nothing but a weed

deliberate. "You really

Madge reappeared with

and her mother, inviting them to have some. Before she could finish, Kathleen cut in, "Madge, come help me for a. moment. I

properly."