From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Sandra continued, her tone unwavering, "And another thing—if you hadn't agreed to break off the engagement, if you'd just reached out and helped the Christensen family when they were struggling, the worst they would've done was cut ties with your father and me. They never would've turned their backs on you, their future daughter-in-law. Don't you see? They were testing us to see what kind of person you really are."

She paused, but her gaze was sharp. "But what did you do, Rebecca? Not only did you insist on breaking things off, but you also badmouthed Adah and Karen! Let's be honest, you only have yourself to blame. You disappointed them-that's why their hearts turned cold."

Sandra's words struck deep, each syllable slicing through the polished image Rebecca had worked so hard to maintain, laying bare the ugliest, most rotten parts of her soul.

Rebecca was shaking with rage. She never expected Sandra, instead of taking responsibility or thinking of ways to win Sherman back, would shove all the blame onto her!

What kind of mother does that?

"Shut up!" Rebecca screamed, her voice cracking. "Just shut up! This is your fault! All of it! Nineteen years ago, you didn't even bother raising me. Nineteen years later, you destroy my chance at happiness. Why don't you just die?"

Sandra blanched, stunned speechless. She couldn't believe those words had just come from her own daughter.

Was this really her child standing in front of her?

Even Anthea, when she left the Morris family, had bowed her head in gratitude for the years of care she'd received.

could you say that to your father and me? It's not like we mixed up our children on

her mind-what if Sandra simply vanished? If Sandra were gone, she'd be all alone in the

without anyone, the Christensens wouldn't have the heart to abandon her. Maybe, out of sympathy, they'd take

be Sherman's fiancée once more. After all, she hadn't

dissolved into tears. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean it. I'm just so upset. Can you understand

anger melted away. She pulled Rebecca into a tight hug. "You're a good girl-I'm not angry with you. Maybe you and Sherman weren't meant to be. There are so many wonderful men out there, and you're such an

Sandra spoke, Rebecca's eyes hardened.

existed. She had to marry Sherman Anyone

her way was nothing but an obstacle-one she'd remove

“Mom, you

cooking, all to please Alex.

her daughter's homemade food, whatever anger she'd felt melted

makeup, then headed to the market to

the sofa,

a glass of water. "Here, Mom. Drink this-it's good for your digestion in

the glass and drank