Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Alva kicked off her shoes and slipped into a pair of cozy house slippers, her gaze sweeping over the living room. She noticed several large cardboard boxes tucked in a corner, perfectly packed and sealed. Without a word, she settled onto the couch. "Norris, Madge, what's going on here... a spring cleaning spree?"

Madge offered a light chuckle, "Nope, just sorting out some linens and clothes."

"All packed up?" Alva's curiosity piqued as she nodded towards the boxes. "Pretty much."

"Are you guys moving or something?"

"Yes."

"Where to?"

Norris and Madge exchanged a glance, realizing there was no point in keeping secrets. Besides, it was bound to come out sooner or later.

"We're moving to that new development nearby, Riverview Estates," Norris disclosed.

"A penthouse or something?"

"No," Norris shook his head, "a villa."

Alva's expression shifted perfectly to reveal just the right amount of surprise, as if she was hearing the news for the first time. "Norris, where did you get that kind of money? Even the most basic villa there is like a million bucks, you..." She paused, a look of concern washing over her, "You haven't done anything illegal, have you?"

"Of course not! Do I look like I have the guts for that?" Norris couldn't help but laugh.

"So, the money..."

"It's from the rain-"

"Dad!" Roseanne suddenly stepped in from the balcony, cutting Norris off, "Why are you spilling the beans? Didn't you think to ask why Alva popped by out of the blue?"

"Right, Alva, what brings you here?"

Usually, she wouldn't visit without a reason. There had to be something important.

Uh-oh! Alva was taken aback.

She hadn't expected Roseanne to interrupt and put her on the spot like that.

"I... I was in the area for a client meeting and thought I'd drop by since I was nearby." "Oh, I heard you just got promoted to manager. You must be really busy."

Alva forced a smile, replying, "A little break from the hustle... Speaking of which, Roseanne, there was so much going on last time at your uncle's, I didn't get a chance to chat with you."

Roseanne raised an eyebrow, a trace of surprise in her tone, "What did you want to talk about?"

"You're back for the holidays, but are you heading out again after?"

"If all goes as planned, I'll be returning to Lumina City."

"Are you working there? Studying? Or something else?"

After a brief pause, Roseanne replied, "Let's just say I'm exploring new opportunities."

She was waiting for her entrance exam results, hopeful for a chance to study further. But without the official acceptance letter, everything remained uncertain. Roseanne despite her confidence, opted for a vague response.

However, to Alva, this sounded like "lack of direction" or "hunting for a wealthy suitor."

A hint of concern crept into her heart as she gestured for Roseanne to come closer. "Come, Anne, have a seat. Let's talk."

Roseanne looked puzzled but complied.

"Anne, do you know what's most important for us women? It's the ability to uphold our dignity and independence, the spirit to strive and thrive, and the passion to persevere." Roseanne was at a loss for words.

"Take me, for example. Life hasn't

been a bed of roses. Growing up in a

not-so-well-off family, I buried

myself in books and managed to get into a decent college. After graduating, good jobs were hard to come by, but I started from the bottom, took on the grunt work, and worked my way up. Now, I'm not only a full-time employee but also the manager of our branch. And then there's marriage. I thought I had found a good man, only to end up with a scoundrel. But I cut my losses, chose divorce, and here I am, doing just fine on my own."

"Uh..."

"So, what exactly are you getting at?"