Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"It's no big deal. Once we get the payment, we'll have more flexibility with our funds, then we can just pay a premium to buy it from someone else," Raven's husband, Jack, said with an optimism that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Raven bit her lip, wanting to protest - who buys a lakefront villa second-hand for their dream home?

But with Jack having laid out their financial predicament so plainly, and their company currently in a tight spot, Raven reluctantly let it go. Yet, the dream of owning a lakefront villa nestled itself deeply in her heart. The dilemma of wanting it without having the means gnawed at her.

"Are you sure it's a lakefront villa?" Raven pressed, double-checking over the phone.

Abbey, on the other end, couldn't help but smirk. "See? Everyone's shocked. The underdog Norris family snagging a villa. The contract's as clear as day; I saw it with my own eyes! And Madge admitted it herself. Said it was a gift from their daughter, Roseanne. Oh, why can't I have such a capable daughter?"

"Never underestimate Anne. She's outdoing even Halley!" Abbey exclaimed, comparing Roseanne to another local success story.

Halley had his own business but hadn't pulled off something as grand as gifting his parents a villa.

Raven's voice softened, "Roseanne must be very devoted. But does she have that kind of money?"

"Oh, don't underestimate the young women of today," Abbey chuckled, steering the conversation away from the villa and onto when she could drop by to pick up some items.

"Tomorrow, I'll have Irving drive over," Abbey proposed.

"Sounds good," Raven agreed, and they ended the call.

Abbey pocketed her phone, and Irving frowned. "Why are you broadcasting this? It's unlike you to spread news like this."

"It's big news within the family! Why wouldn't I share that Norris bought a villa? It's a celebration," Abbey retorted.

Irving knew his wife too well and suspected there was an ulterior motive.

Abbey just laughed, her scheming barely hidden. "Let's see if they. can keep their story straight when everyone starts asking."

The next day, as Abbey had

predicted, the Norris household was

abuzz, but not with the expected

visitors. Instead, Alva - the reclusive, fiercely independent sister known for her high standards and cold demeanor, showed up.

Norris was taken aback by her rare visit. "Alva? What brings you here? Come in, come in!"

Alva's visit was unexpected. Known for keeping her distance and rarely mingling with family outside of obligatory holiday dinners, her presence hinted at intrigue spurred by Abbey's calculated reveal.