From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Maggie was the other woman.

The shameless other woman!

A home wrecker!

It was clear as day that she was Jonah's favorite.

Yet, Maggie just had to wedge herself right in there, didn't she?

Lifting his gaze to meet Susan's, Gerard challenged, "You really think I'm going to take your word for it?"

Even though he wasn't privy to the details of the past, Gerard had unwavering faith that his mother wasn't the type of person Susan made her out to be. She just couldn't be.

Susan held Gerard's gaze, her voice tinged with a convincing sincerity, "Gerry, whether you like it or not, it's the truth! But, I don't blame your mom. Not one bit. Love is something you can't control. She fell for your dad, and let's face it, she was stunning. They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and your dad, being a typical man, well, it all just followed the usual script."

Pausing to collect herself, Susan continued, "What I didn't see coming was your mother, even after winning your dad's heart, betraying him! It breaks my heart for your dad. And for the love we had. I stepped aside for them, sacrificing our love to make room for theirs. But then she went and betrayed him! What she discarded, I held dear. Gerry! Do you understand how I feel?"

Susan's words, laden with emotion, made it seem as if she was the magnanimous one, selflessly stepping aside for the sake of others' happiness.

Anyone else might have been swayed by her words, but Gerard wasn't buying it.

Unless he saw proof with his own eyes, he wouldn't take anyone's word for it - especially not Susan's.

would do anything to

about was one thing,

don't know her name," Susan said, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "Your dad protected her too well. I never got the chance to meet her. But I

she now?"

"She's dead," Susan replied.

his birth mother was gone would

to accept her stemmed from his desire to find his

that he believed his birth mother was dead and painted as a villain, he was bound to feel

was Susan's chance to make her

needed Gerard to realize that the maternal love he longed

the only one fit to be

at Gerard, her voice taking on a grave tone, "Your mother died in a tragic

a horrific crash. They say

no less than

Pieces scattered everywhere!

glint flickered in Susan's downcast

remained silent,

heard similar stories

had told him the same

call karma," Susan continued. "She took away my fiancé, and even the heavens