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

and didn’t consider her life particularly hard.

resolute, Latonia dropped the

the clock struck ten, thoughts of preparing lunch began to cross Carole’s

“Mom, no need to cook today.

nodded in agreement.

We’re like family. A simple meal would’ve

had just received a hefty commission and wanted to celebrate the

past eleven, the delivery

restaurant was renowned for its exquisite taste, and the prices were steep, not an everyday choice for most folks.

on full display, and the meal was

sight of Anthea’s

stunning in the photo,

then drifted to the girl beside her, then his expression shifted subtly.

right, this girl was Sarah, his cousin’s

academically, failed. to make it to high school, and went straight into the workforce. She was the

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