From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 50

Latonia had been there, a silent witness to the whole saga.

She watched helplessly as Carole naively stumbled into a love that was nothing but a beautifully adorned trap.

No one knew better than Latonia the bitter years Carole had endured since then.

“It’s not for him,” Carole said, her face calm as she clasped Latonia’s hands. “I genuinely enjoy being on my own.”

Latonia sighed with concern and warmth. “Carole, you’re only thirty–eight, still so young. You can’t let one bad relationship color your view of the entire world. There are good men out there. Let go of the past and be open to new experiences.”

“Latonia, I know you mean well,” Carole replied, her voice tinged with tired honesty. “But right now, I don’t want to think about all that. I only want to focus on raising Ann.”

After so much turmoil, Carole had no appetite for new romances. Her sole ambition was to watch her daughter, Anthea, grow up and find her slice of happiness. Even the bitterness had faded from her heart. What was there to hate when everything seemed to have shifted so irrevocably? Fate had dealt its hand, and there was little point in fighting it.

“I just worry about you being all alone.” Latonia said, leaning in for a comforting hug.

As a woman herself, Latonia understood the struggles of single motherhood well.

back reassuringly. “I’m okay,

storms and didn’t consider

Carole so resolute, Latonia dropped the subject.

of preparing lunch began to cross Carole’s

“Mom, no need to cook

nodded

spend money on food delivery, kiddo? We’re like family.

doesn’t mind, it’s all good.” She had just received a hefty commission and wanted to celebrate the arrival of a guest in style.

eleven, the

eyes widen. This restaurant was renowned for its

generosity was on full display, and the meal was delightful for

of Anthea’s latest Twitter

looked stunning in the photo, her features sharp

beside her, then his expression

him right, this girl was Sarah, his cousin’s middle school classmate.

it to high school, and went straight into the

he thought. Anthea wouldn’t associate with someone like Sarah if she had any sense.