Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 850

Geneva grasped Madge's hand tightly. "After more than twenty years, I never dared dream of a day like this. I suppose fate's finally taken pity on me and brought our family back together."

Seeing her eyes glisten with tears, the old man chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Did you forget what the doctor said again? On a happy day like today, you should be smiling, not crying."

Madge nodded in agreement. "Dad's right, Mom. Give us a smile."

The old lady couldn't help but let out a laugh. "At my age, crying's not a pretty sight, but smiling is even worse. Honestly..."

"Not true at all! You're the picture of grace-elegant in a way only the years can bring."

That made the old lady beam from ear to ear.

Norris gave his wife a silent thumbs-up. Now that's what I call charm!

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, followed by Corley's voice-

"Grandpa, it's me."

Neely cleared his throat. "Come in, Corley."

Corley pushed the door open and stepped inside. His eyes immediately landed on Roseanne, standing between Norris and Madge. For a brief moment, he was clearly struck by her beauty, though he quickly masked it.

the guests have arrived outside. The ceremony's ready to

not keep everyone waiting. Time to

...

ballroom was ablaze with light and

veritable who's who-people from every industry, the best of

same familiar circles. Glancing around,

profile for years, always declining every invitation with some nonsense about family tradition. But for the Rodriguez family, suddenly they can't

a sly grin on his

if he'd shoot an ad for us-he brushed me off. Tried inviting him to dinner, and he just said, 'Too busy, I don't do social events.' Yet here he is for the Rodriguezes.

shot him a look. "I can smell the jealousy from here. You really think

Cliff's face darkened.

knife. "I'm only

he'd seen a ghost. "You're

the room, distracted. "I'm driving tonight. Better

over the place? I'm talking to you and you're not even listening

the slightest attention. Suddenly, something caught his eye and

strode off toward the entrance, beaming like the sun had come out just

"Leda! You made it!"

eyebrow at the man who'd materialized in front of her. "You? You

"Sure did."

him a curious look. "And who