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.

Susan would do anything to

was

her eyes with a tissue. "Your dad protected her too well. I never got the chance to meet her. But

is she now?"

"She's dead," Susan replied.

only by convincing Gerard that his birth mother was gone would he let his guard down around

to accept her stemmed from his desire to find

and painted as a villain, he was bound to feel a deep sense

Susan's chance

realize that the maternal love

was the only one fit

her voice taking on a grave tone, "Your mother

crash. They

deserved no less than a tragic

Pieces scattered everywhere!

venomous glint flickered in Susan's downcast

remained silent,

heard similar stories

had told him

it's what they call karma," Susan continued. "She took away my fiancé, and even the heavens couldn't