From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 366

Chapter 366

Mike had been single for over a decade.

His sister, Sarah, always felt a twinge of guilt about it. If she could play matchmaker and find him a partner, it would fulfill their parents' longstanding wish.

7-Eleven was bustling, thanks to its proximity to the local high school where exams were being held. The store was packed, with a long line snaking towards the cashier.

Mike picked up three umbrellas and three bottles of water, preparing to pay, when he spotted a familiar face across the aisle.

It was the young woman he had bumped into last time.

"Hey, fancy meeting you here again," Mike walked up to her with a friendly grin.

The young woman paused for a moment before recognizing him, "Oh, it's you."

They lined up at the cashier together.

Mike chuckled, "You covered my bill last time. Allow me this time."

"No, that's alright, but thank you," she demurred.

"Don't worry about it. If I pay for you today, I'll still help someone else in need next time I'm here," Mike assured her.

"Well, in

said,

Mike continued, "Are you here for the

woman looked surprised, "Ah?

look so young, I assumed you weren't married yet," Mike quickly corrected

She nodded, "That's correct."

you, I'm Mike, like the archangel

color, and the flower,"

Violet right away, so he ventured, "Would you mind if

hesitated, then nodded,

info, Mike saw that

to run; my niece is just finishing her exams. Let me take you out for dinner sometime," Mike

Mike jogged towards the exam

Mike handed one to his sister as he

we'd be soaked," Sarah laughed,

neighbor, Betty, edged closer, "I forgot mine, mind

of Betty but couldn't refuse, "Sure,

signaling the end of the exams, anxious parents perked up, eager to

the rain pouring, students

his niece, Annie, "There you

"Uncle Mike!"

the umbrella," Mike smiled, "You didn't want us waiting outside, but see, you'd be drenched without us!" Betty scanned the crowd for her son,