From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Staring at Ileana, Nanson couldn't believe his ears, "Why?" he asked.

Instead of answering, Ileana shot back a question. "Nanson, I heard you cut ties with your folks and your sister, is that true?"

"Yeah," Nanson nodded, a pained look crossing his face. "Ileana, if you're breaking up with me over this... I can explain. I'm not disloyal or a bad son."

"No need to explain," Ileana interrupted, raising her hand to stop him. "Nanson, we're just not right for each other. Dragging this out will only hurt us both more. Better to end things now."

Nanson had treated her like a queen, catering to her every whim, but Nanson had severed ties with his family.

Ileana had been drawn to Nanson because he was a local with several houses to his name and his older sister, Elaine, was high society royalty.

Now that Ileana knew the truth that Nanson was the black sheep of the Yeager family and had been kicked out, there was no point in continuing their charade.

Nanson didn't even own a single house. What kind of future could he offer her?

"Ileana, even if we're breaking up, I deserve a reason. Tell me what I did wrong, and I'll change!" Nanson had been sincere, even planning out their future together.

"There's nothing left to say! Nanson, let's just call it quits!" With those words, Ileana turned and walked away.

Nanson hurried after her, grabbing her hand, eyes brimming with tears. "Ileana! I don't accept this breakup!"

That's when a sleek black Volkswagen pulled up at the curb, and a man stepped out. "Ileana is my girlfriend!" He declared, pushing Nanson aside to envelop Ileana in his arms and smirking at Nanson with a triumphant grin.

"Is he telling the truth?" Nanson asked, his voice trembling as he looked up at Ileana.

"Yes, he's my boyfriend!" Ileana snuggled into the man's portly waist.

The man, Lance, swelled with pride. "Boy, look at yourself. Do you think you deserve Ileana? Dream on!"

Lance might not have had the looks, but he had wealth with five houses and a car. He was the ultimate property prince.

"You're lying! Ileana, tell me this isn't real!" Nanson's eyes were red with anger and disbelief.

Lance sneered at him. "Ileana, tell this loser who you love."

Ileana kissed Lance on the cheek. "Do you need to ask? Of course, I love you!” Then she turned to Nanson and continued, “Nanson, you're nothing compared to a single hair on his head! You have no car, no house, no savings. How could you ever be enough for me?"

Her cold and merciless words struck Nanson like daggers, shattering any last hope he had.

Three years of love lost to harsh reality. How pathetic!

"How about that? Your former girlfriend is madly in love with me! She can't live without me! Poor boy, I warn you, if you harass my girl again, you'll regret it!" Lance spat on the ground with contempt.

"Lance, let's not waste our breath on this nobody. Let's go," Ileana cooed.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"Fine."

They got into the car, leaving Nanson alone on the sidewalk, his expression numb with shock.

Much later, Nanson finally crumbled under the weight of reality. He collapsed to the ground, weeping like a child.

Passersby stared, but life had to go on.

That afternoon, Nanson was back at his job, delivering packages.

Work provided a temporary escape from his sorrows, but at night, the sadness returned.

He bought a bottle of strong spirits and drowned his sorrows until he passed out.

Anthea emerged from her room, immediately sensing something was off.

The smell of alcohol was strong. Who had been drinking?

Nanson never touched a cigarette or a drink, neither did Carole.

Following the scent, Anthea knocked on Nanson's door.

It took a while before a drunken Nanson stumbled to the door to let her in.