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.

your father and me? It's

chilling thought flashing through her mind-what if Sandra simply vanished? If Sandra

Surely, if she was left without anyone, the

she hadn't wanted to break off

into tears. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean it.

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 amazing

Rebecca's eyes hardened. Better than

She had to

but

shift the mood, Rebecca said, “Mom, you haven't eaten yet, right? Let me

spent weeks before her last wedding practicing her cooking, all to please Alex. Now, she put

food, whatever anger she'd felt melted

touch of makeup, then headed to the market to buy some bones

Sandra was lounging on the sofa,

water. "Here, Mom. Drink this-it's

the glass and drank it