Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Norris quipped, "What are you, the neighborhood gossip now? Besides, Anne probably doesn't know the ins and outs of everyone's private life. What's the point in asking her? Next time, just go straight to Mr. Reynolds himself." Madge actually nodded, "Alright, I'll ask him directly if I get the chance."

"Wait... you're serious?" Norris was taken aback.

Madge rolled her eyes, "Anne, got any sugar cubes?"

"Yeah, I'll grab them," Anne replied, standing up to head to the kitchen.

With their daughter out of earshot, Madge turned to Norris, "Anne lives alone and she's right next door to Mr. Reynolds. They seem to get along well, so shouldn't I get the lowdown?"

"You've got a point there. My wife always thinks of everything, heh..."

Madge glared at him, "Don't get all cozy now. What will Anne think if she sees us like this?"

"Ahem!" Norris promptly sat up straight, "I'll be more mindful!"

The guest room was immaculately prepared for them, Roseanne had even swapped out the old mattress for a new one.

The bed linens were fresh out of the package, washed and aired before being laid out.

"Mom, Dad, why don't you rest up and take a nap? I'll take you out later for a tour around Lumina City. You've been here a few times but never really got to explore. This time, we'll make up for it." Norris and Madge had visited Lumina City before.

During her four years of college, they visited her three times.

The first visit was to help her settle in as a freshman.

The second was when they heard she had a boyfriend and, feeling uneasy, took a trip during Norris's summer break to meet Murray.

They spent three days, with Roseanne accompanying them for the first two, and Murray showing up on the third day only to rush off after a brief meal, claiming he was busy.

The third visit was for Roseanne's graduation ceremony.

They were excited to witness such an important milestone in their daughter's life, only to learn from others that she had decided to abandon a promising academic path for what they deemed a foolish pursuit of love. Norris was deeply disappointed in his daughter.

Madge couldn't understand her decision either.

Their relationship ended on a bitter note, with vows of cutting ties.

Their previous visits weren't exactly filled with warm memories, but they hoped this time would be different...Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

While they rested, Roseanne headed to the market to pick up their favorite cuts of meat and fresh fruits.

Towels and slippers had been arranged well in advance.

After preparing dinner, Roseanne went to wake her parents.

Seeing the feast laid out, Madge couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, "Not bad, you've certainly inherited my

g skills."

Norris murmured under his breath, "Clearly, she got it from me... How did it become about you?"

Madge chose to ignore him, knowing he wouldn't dare to speak up.

Roseanne handed them their chopsticks, "Shall we start?"

Madge couldn't wait any longer.

After a few bites, Norris nodded in approval, "My girl definitely got her cooking talent from me..." Madge couldn't be bothered to engage with him.

...

After dinner, they took a walk around Kingswell University.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, as

baking it seemed lifted f

. Content belongbet

Despite summer break, the campus was bustling with students.

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Roseanne led her parents down Cherry Blossom Lane, past the North Gate, and towards the library.

Norris, upon seeing the vast collection of books, was instantly mesmerized.

It took some persuasion from Madge to finally pull him away, his head turning back every few steps.

Back home, Norris couldn't stop talking about the Kingswell University Library.

Back in his days at Twilight Peak Academy as a kid from a rural background, he was too shy and self-conscious to explore much beyond his studies and dorm room.

Before bed, he mentioned to Madge, "Maybe you could take me back to the library sometime?"

Knowing his love for books, Madge readily agreed.