Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Alright, alright, you win! Happy now?"

"According to hospital policy and procedures, accident victims have to contact someone from their family. I didn't want to worry my parents, so I had no choice but to give them your number," Leda explained with a sigh, pulling out her phone. She grumbled in frustration, "If my phone hadn't gone kaput from the crash, I wouldn't be missing calls left and right."

That's when Roseanne realized why her calls went straight to voicemail the entire time.

"How are you feeling now? Any discomfort?" Roseanne asked, concern lacing her voice. Having passed the accident scene, a nasty pile-up, she was worried about Leda's well-being.

"Got all the checks done before you arrived. All good. Just need to wrap up some paperwork, and I can check out," Leda reassured her.

Roseanne breathed a sigh of relief. "That's great to hear."

Leda had only a backpack with her essentials.

After settling the bill at the ground floor, they were about to leave when they unexpectedly bumped into Beverley, accompanied by Millie.

The two were deep in conversation, Beverley smiling warmly, while Millie nodded in agreement, the picture of harmony.

Beverley was saying, "...so you've got to be extra careful, okay? No bumps or scrapes, alright?"

"I'll be extra careful, I promise."

Leda couldn't help but scoff, "No wonder the mistress is so bold, got a homewrecker's mom to back her up!"

Seeing Roseanne after half a year, Beverley was surprised to find her looking well, not the wreck she had imagined.

Millie stopped in her tracks at the sight of Roseanne, instinctively placin

a hand on her lower I back, her belly slightly protruding

"Roseanne, what a coincidence! Didn't expect to see you here," she greeted, trying to sound casual.

Roseanne's smile faded as she moved to walk past them.

Then, Millie dropped, perhaps a bit too casually, "I've been feeling off lately, came to the hospital only to find out I'm pregnant." Roseanne paused in her steps.

"It was such a surprise, but oh, a

wonderful one for Daniel. It's still et worried about when I get binne

early, so not showing much.

all

the cravings I'll have to ignore..."

Millie's voice trailed off with a self-satisfied smile.

Roseanne turned, her expression neutral, "Congratulations. But really, you didn't have to tell me."Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"But I wanted to share with you..."

Leda exploded, "Share with you? Acting all high and mighty as a mistress, proud even. What's there to brag about? Even a pig can get pregnant. What's so special? Better worry about locking down that wedding with Daniel before you can't hide that belly anymore. Playing a losing hand and still trying to upset others, I just can't fathom what goes on in your head!"

"You... how can you say such things..." Millie bit her lower lip, tears welling up in her eyes, looking every bit the victim. Seeing this, Beverley immediately stepped in to protect her, "Ms. Collins, mind your manners!"

Leda offered a sarcastic smile, "Sorry, but I just can't bring myself to be polite to shameless, disgraceful people."

"You!" Beverley felt the sting of the insult but couldn't retort without admitting to being the very things Leda accused them of.