Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Leda rolled her eyes, cursing, "Bitch."

"You shouldn't have stopped me earlier," she huffed, barely flexing her muscles. "If it really came down to it, that old witch wouldn't stand a chance."

Roseanne, recalling Millie's sour expression upon leaving, couldn't help but snort with laughter, quickly trying to pacify her friend, "Come on, don't be mad. It's not worth it." "They're just two nobodies. It's not worth getting worked up over."

Leda nodded in agreement, "Exactly! But if there's a next time, I'm definitely not holding back."

Anne was always the more laid-back one, but if it came down to it, she'd step in; she could throw a punch.

"Got it-" Roseanne chuckled, "You've had a rough day. My treat, what do you feel like eating?"

Leda slung an arm around her shoulder, "That's what I've been waiting to hear! Come on, let's go indulge in some good food and spicy treats."

"Wait, shouldn't I be the one saying that?"

"As long as the message gets across, it doesn't matter who says it."

***

In the car.

Beverley was looking at the report, remembering the doctor's words about Millie's pregnancy being promising, and she couldn't stop smiling. Seeing Beverley's smile, Millie felt reassured.

This was her first time meeting Beverley.

When she was with Murray, he never talked about his family. She only knew that he came from a well-off background and had a sister.

After Murray broke up with her, Millie tried every possible way to contact him, but to no avail.

Murray's firm stance had Millie panicking.

After some digging, she got Beverley's number, called her, and told her about the pregnancy.

It seemed Beverley was quite pleased with Millie and the baby, considering everything.

Wanting to make a good impression on her future mother-in-law, Millie took a deep breath and took out a neatly wrapped gift box.

With a sweet smile, she looked very well-behaved: "Beverley, it's our first meeting, and this is a small gift from me. It's not much, but it's filled with my sincerest intentions. I hope you like it."

Beverley thought it was considerate of her to bring a gift, seemingly more sensible than Roseanne, "Did you prepare this yourself? That's very thoughtful-" But her words trailed off as she opened the gift.

Inside the beautifully wrapped blue gift box was just a scarf?

And it was handmade at that?

The stitches were mediocre at best, even subpar.

"This... Did you knit this yourself?"

Millie responded, "Yes, I did. Do you like it?"

Beverley found it hard to say she "liked" it.

Covering the box, she forced a smile, internally cringing.

It was just too tacky!

Even Roseanne, during holidays or special occasions, would bring her something from Hermes, even if it wasn't overly expensive. At least it had taste, unlike this unattractive item.

And as far as she knew, her son had already given his credit card to this woman. Not lacking money, yet she chose to present such a lousy gift?

"Beverley, you... don't like it?" Millie asked cautiously, "I always thought handmade gifts carried more sincerity."

It was her first time meeting her partner's parents, and she thought buying something wouldn't be as meaningful as making it herself. Hence, she knitted this scarf. But judging by her future mother-in-law's expression, it didn't seem well-received.

Beverley, remembering Millie was carrying her precious grandchild could only muster a compliment, "No, no, you're right. The effort makes it special, and I appreciate that."

Millie finally felt relieved, "If you like it, I can knit you one every year."

Beverley thought to herself, "Please, don't bother. Really."

One was already too much; she couldn't imagine having to pretend to like them year after year.