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.

reassuringly. “I’m okay,

didn’t consider her

Latonia dropped the

the clock struck ten, thoughts of preparing lunch began to

no need to cook today. I’ve ordered.

nodded in

“Why spend money on food delivery, kiddo? We’re

all good.” She had just received a hefty commission and wanted to celebrate

half past eleven, the delivery arrived

for its exquisite taste, and the

on full display, and the

Anthea’s latest

in the photo, her

then drifted to the girl beside her,

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

his cousin talk about Sarah, the girl who had struggled academically, failed. to make it to

together,” he thought. Anthea wouldn’t associate with someone like