Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Overseas?"

"Yes, these two books are topping the charts in electronic and physical sales in Southeast Asia."

Madge was stunned again, "I had no clue these books were even published abroad..."

"I've done some rough calculations, and over the years, 'The Assassin's Art' and 'Desolate School' have brought in at least five..." Roseanne stretched out a hand.

"Five hundred thousand?" Norris guessed.

"Come on, Dad, think bigger."

"...Five million?!"

Roseanne shook her head, "Fifty million. And that's a conservative estimate."

Norris was speechless.

"Mom," Roseanne sat next to Madge, gently taking her hand, "I know you must be feeling a mix of emotions right now, but the past is the past. With the contract expiring, it's the end of a decade-long tie to Nadine."

"What we need to focus on now is how we can make up for lost time. I get it, it's not just the money that stings, but seeing your work go unnoticed that really hurts. I mean, how many good writing years does one even have?"

Madge turned away, her shoulders starting to shake slightly.

"I've sent the works you've completed over the years but haven't published to an editor. Go see him; he'll tell you what to do..." Madge took a deep breath, "...Okay."

That night, soft sobs could be heard from the guest room, along with Norris' gentle words of comfort.

Roseanne lay awake, staring at the ceiling, equally sleepless.

...

The next day, Roseanne and Norris accompanied Madge to a coffee shop.

Tucked behind an office building and past lunchtime, the shop was sparsely populated.

A fluffy Maine Coon lounged lazily at the counter, yawning at the sound of the door chime before closing its eyes again.

By a window sat a man with a square jaw, wearing black-framed glasses, a simple white shirt, and slacks - the very picture of a scholarly gentleman.

As he glanced outside, seemingly waiting for someone, the door's noise caught his attention, and he quickly stood up, making his way toward Madge. "Ms. Wood, good day, I'm Stoner from Moonlight Publishing."

After a brief nod to Roseanne and Norris, he suggested, "Shall we talk while your family waits outside?"

Madge nodded.

Stoner courteously pulled out a chair for her and ordered a lemon water as per her disinterested request.

Since the previous day, she had

been in a state of detachment, overwhelmed by a sense of grief and powerlessness, unsure of where to direct her feelings.

ร

For a decade, she had entrusted her career to Nadine, never doubting her integrity despite numerous rejections.

Betrayal hurt, there was no denying it.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Stoner got straight to the point, "Ms.

Wood, I'll be blunt. Would you be

interested in publishing 'The

e

Lantern The Curse,' 'Ancestor's Grave and 'Ming Dynasty Ghostbusters'? These are the titles we're considering."

Madge was taken aback, "What?" It took her a moment to process. She was confused.

He continued with a somewhat apologetic smile, "I realize this is a bit forward, but after reading the manuscripts Roseanne sent over, this was the decision by our team."

"Before meeting you, I thought of many ways to say this, but now that I see you, I think being straightforward is the most sincere approach." These titles, previously rejected by Nadine, were Madge's efforts to persevere, written as a form of practice despite feeling disheartened.