Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

After dropping Millie off at school, Beverley reminded her to stay safe and watch out for her tummy before instructing the driver, "Let's head back." "Of course, ma'am."

Seated in the back, Beverley glanced at the hideously ugly scarf beside her and couldn't help but grimace.

The more she looked at it, the less she liked it, promptly tossing it under the seat as if it were something revolting.

Thinking of Millie, Beverley sighed. Her looks were average, and her manners lacked grace. To put it nicely, she was a "plain Jane"; to be blunt, she was "petty." Her gaze inadvertently fell back on the scarf-

Hot pink, both tacky and outdated, no fancy packaging could save its inherent shoddiness.

She had to admit, coming from a humble background did have its limitations.

Recalling the gifts Roseanne used to give her-silk scarves, jewelry, handbags, each item exquisite and perfectly suited for her, it was clear they were chosen with care... With that thought, Beverley mentally scoffed!

Why was she even thinking about that unfortunate thing?!

...

"Ma'am, we're home."

As Beverley entered, Hertha greeted her, eyeing the elegantly wrapped box in her hands, expecting something marvelous.

But when opened, it revealed a hot pink scarf with uneven stitches that fell short of even the most basic standards of attractiveness.

"Mom, what's this monstrosity? What era is this from, and you're telling me you plan to wear this thing?"

Hertha pinched the scarf between her fingers, which seemed completely out of place with their home's aesthetic.NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

Honestly, it was her first encounter with a scarf so hideous.

It was nauseating. What was with the hot pink? Even the family dog would be startled by it.

Beverley replied irritably, "It's from your brother's girlfriend. She said something about a handmade gift being more meaningful. I think she's just too stingy to spend money using this ghastly thing as a cop-out."

"If it weren't for the fact she's carrying my grandchild, why would I ever accept such an ugly thing?"

Everything she wore was branded,

from her clothes and handbags to the diamonds on her earrings, mostly custom-made or at least designer. How could such a crude scarf ever match her status?

"What?!" Hertha gasped, "You mean she's pregnant with my brother's child?!"

Hertha was genuinely shocked. Roseanne hadn't managed it in all these years, and here was Millie, suddenly pregnant and eager to marry into their wealthy family. Beverley shared, "I only found out today. If she hadn't called me, I'd still be in the dark."

Hertha raised an eyebrow, "Wait, she called you? Not my brother?"

Beverley nodded, puzzled.

Hertha's expression turned speculative, "Think about it. Why would she bypass my brother and come directly to you?" Beverley paused.

"It's likely my brother doesn't want the child, and she decided to go straight to you."

It seemed she was trying to secure her position through her pregnancy.

In the circles of Lumina City's elite, such scenarios were all too common.

After all, which woman wouldn't want to marry into a wealthy family to change her fate?

Hertha's eyes flickered as she said, "Mom, you're not seriously considering letting her into our family, are you?"

Beverley frowned, "Of course not!

We don't even know if the child is a

boy or a girl. Besides, seeing her today confirmed it: average looks, terrible taste, completely unsuitable for public appearances. Someone mentioned she went to some technical school... certainly not prestigious. How could the

Sherwood family ever accept such a daughter-in-law?"