From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 268

After hearing the expert’s reply, Lizzie was dumbstruck.

Was she really supposed to keep this from her mom and let her live in ignorance?

Tears began to pool as Lizzie typed out another message, “Dear expert, my mom is the kindest, most hardworking woman. She runs the household by herself, always making sure Dad and I have the best of everything, even if it means going without herself. She loves us so much. Wouldn’t it be cruel to let her stay in the dark?”

By the time she finished typing, tears were streaming down her face.

Torn between her mother and father, Lizzie, their daughter, was at a loss.

Her mom, Gina, was the epitome of a traditional housewife, her world revolving around her husband and

child.

Gina came from a rural background.

She and Malcolm fell in love and moved to Cloudcrest to build a life together. But it was Gina who was the real driving force.

In the beginning, she’d hawk goods up and down the streets, starting her day before the sun and ending well after it had set. Now, she looked a decade older than her peers. Standing next to Malcolm, they looked more like siblings than husband and wife.

Few knew Gina was only 41.

From nothing, she built a small supermarket and became a respected business owner. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Gina, Malcolm wouldn’t have made it this far.

had

not witnessed it firsthand, she would never have thought her

replied again soon

strong woman. But often, the stronger a woman appears, the more vulnerable she is on the inside. If you tell her about this, it could crush her. She might do something drastic, and you’ll live with regret. If you truly care for her, sometimes it’s kinder to keep her in the dark.

ensure our parents‘ happiness. Your dad is happy, and your mom seems happy. Isn’t that enough? Why destroy that happiness with your own hands? Life is full of challenges. You need to learn to let go and grow from them.”

message,

the expert

handle the truth

Gina. She

falling asleep,

the dream, Gina, unable to cope wightmare jolted her awake.

1/2

had jumped from a building. The graphic images

10:24

matter haunted

woke up screaming, “Mom.”

the terrible images lingering,

chime pulled her

silenced the alarm and got ready for school.

greeted as she

to the table.

wiping the foam from her mouth, asked,