Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne chuckled, "A cocktail dress might feel a bit too formal. I think a switch to something more casual could bring a pleasant surprise." Beverley's face turned sour, but with so many eyes on them, she couldn't make a scene. She had to suppress her anger.

Millie pursed her lips, shocked at how easily Roseanne had outshone her.

Nola caught the exchange of looks and smirked, "Some folks really can't tell a diamond from a rhinestone. It's just hilarious!" "Alright, I'll take both of these," she gestured to the sales assistant.

"Of course, just a moment please," the assistant replied with a beaming smile as they processed the payment.

"Anne, shall we head out? Maybe check out another store?"

"Sounds good."

After Nola and Roseanne left, Beverley looked down at her outfit with disdain, wishing she could tear it off and stomp on it!

Remembering standing next to Nola, feeling like a toad beside a swan, her temper flared. She pointed at Millie, "What a disaster! Can't you do anything right? Matching outfits is such a simple task, how can you be so useless?!"

Knowing she was outmatched, Millie could only clutch her belly and say, her voice heavy with sorrow, "Ever since I got pregnant, I just don't have the energy. Last night, Alvin was out late for a work dinner, and I stayed up caring for him, so my mind's been foggy... I'm so sorry I couldn't meet your expectations..."

Beverley took a deep breath, reminding herself of her grandson to be, and barely managed to control her fury. Yet, she still found Millie utterly displeasing.

"For the sake of my grandson, I'll let

it slide. But really, your taste is atrocious! If you don't improve, how will you ever fit in with the high society? If I take you out, it's my reputation at stake!"

Millie's eyes sparkled at the mention of fitting in with high society... Did that mean the Sherwood family was accepting her?

"I'll do my best, Beverley," she quickly said.

Beverley scoffed, then thought for a

moment and pulled out an invitation from her bag, "Sweet words won't cut it. To elevate your taste, you need exposure. The more you see, the broader your horizons. This is an invitation to a high tea with the ladies' circle tomorrow. Come with me."

High tea - a gathering known for its elegant setting and refined conversation, often accompanied by the clinking of fine china and the subtle aroma of teas from around the world. While men had their wines and luxury cars, women in these circles dazzled with their knowledge of luxury brands and, of late, a touch of cultured elegance in tea appreciation.

In recent years, tea culture had

become a hot topic, naturally

weaving its way into the ladies' circle conversations. Though not everyone attending these gatherings might be

a tea enthusiast, it was essential to have a basic understanding to engage in conversation.

Beverley wanted to avoid any more embarrassing moments like today, not expecting Millie to be transformed overnight but hoping she'd learn something from the experience. "High tea isn't for just anyone. Make sure you're prepared. This time, don't embarrass me!"

Holding the invitation, Millie promised earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll do my homework and make sure not to let you down."

"You better!" Beverley snorted.

...From NôvelDrama.Org.

Stepping out of the store, Nola laughed, "You've been such a trooper today, Anne, sticking with me through all this shopping."