From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 271

Malcolm loved her so much, loved their home to the core, and he had to come around.

As soon as school let out, Lizzie bolted home, determined to have a heart–to–heart with Malcolm.

But after a thorough search of the grocery store, Malcolm was nowhere to be seen. Reluctantly, Lizzie approached Gina, “Mom, where’s Dad?”

Gina, covering for a cashier who had called in sick, was ringing up customers at the front, “Your father’s gone on a supply run.” *

Supply run.

Always the supply runs.

A cold smirk flickered across Lizzie’s eyes.

“What do you need your father for?” Gina asked casually.

“It’s nothing,” Lizzie replied, shouldering her backpack and heading upstairs.

It was well past ten when Malcolm finally made it home.

Lizzie could instantly smell the perfume on him, “Dad, -need to talk to you. Can we go downstairs?”

Peeling off his coat with a chuckle, Malcolm said, “What’s so important that we have to talk downstairs?”

Though he played it cool, Malcolm followed Lizzie downstairs all the same.

early spring evening was chilly, with gusts of cold

secretive that your mom

”

up at him, not beating around the bush, “It’s about you, Dad. Are

Malcolm’s expression darkened.

it. I have proof,” Lizzie said, pulling

loss for words, caught in an affair

reason. No wonder Lizzie

Mom. She works her fingers to the bone every day for this family. She’s like a maid, always waiting on you. Do you think what you’re doing is fair to her? Don’t you care about our family anymore?”

of Gina brought tears to Lizzie’s

Lizzie’s accusations, Malcolm panicked, his eyes

Lizzie. I’ve wronged you. I’ve wronged Gina, and I’ve wronged our family. Please don’t tell your mom, okay? I’ll cut ties with that woman

at him, searching his face for the truth.

raised three fingers in a solemn vow, “I swear. If I’m lying, may lightning strike

1/2

09:59

Chapter 271

Lizzie breathed a sigh of relief. Malcolm still cared about her and Gina. “I’ll give you

Lizzie.” Malcolm hugged her, “I’ll make it up to your mom, I

and I’ve done her

No more late nights, and

noticeably brighter than usual. Lizzie too, returned to her usual

week flew by swiftly.

It was Saturday.

the temperature had climbed from a chilly