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.

she conceded, "Well, in that case, I won't argue.

said, paying the

Mike continued, "Are you here

surprised, "Ah?

my bad. You look so young, I assumed you weren't married

She nodded, "That's correct."

to meet you, I'm Mike, like the archangel Michael. And you are?" Mike extended his

the color, and the flower," she

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

hesitated, then

exchanging contact info, Mike saw that Violet

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

goodbye, Mike jogged towards the exam venue, just

umbrella," Mike handed one to his sister

timing with these umbrellas, else we'd be soaked," Sarah laughed, accepting

closer, "I forgot mine,

Betty but couldn't refuse, "Sure,

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

rain pouring, students rushed

his niece, Annie, "There you

"Uncle Mike!"

want us waiting outside, but see, you'd be drenched without us!" Betty scanned the crowd for her son, then turned to