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

Sarah tapped her phone with a trembling finger, played the video Anthea had sent her. With wide eyes, her parents watched the unfolding drama on the tiny screen.

As the final scene faded to black, even Keeley, known for his saintly patience, couldn't help but slam his hand on the table, startling them all, "They have gone too far!"

Latonia wrapped her arms around Sarah, her voice a soothing balm. "Don't worry, honey. I'll go with you to the hospital tomorrow."

Sarah, bracing for a torrent of blame for her poor judgment, found none. Instead, Keeley and Latonia offered nothing but support.

"You've got to be more careful picking a guy next time," Latonia said with a sigh of relief. "We're lucky Anthea came forward. Otherwise, you'd be stuck in a miserable marriage."

Latonia shuddered at the thought. So many mothers endured unhappy marriages for the sake of their children, sacrificing their own happiness.

Thankfully, fate had brought Anthea into their lives.

The next day, true to her word, Latonia accompanied Sarah to the hospital. Emerging from the clinic, Sarah felt reborn. She vowed to rely solely on herself and never to entrust her future to any man lightly again.

Meanwhile, Tanya had been following Anthea's fitness regime religiously, combining herbal concoctions with daily jogs. Within weeks, she shed a noticeable amount of weight. When Lizzie heard about it, she joined the pair, turning their duo into a trio.

In class 7, whispers rippled through the room.

"Hey, have you guys noticed Tanya slimming down?"

"Yeah, I saw it too!"

A girl with short hair sneered, "You must be kidding. She's still the same pig, ugly as hell."

"Shh! Anthea's coming!"

The chatter ceased as Anthea strode in, her presence commanding silence.

"Damn, Boss Yeager's got that swag!"

"She's so cool!"

Anthea tossed her backpack onto her desk and fixed her gaze on the short-haired girl. With a casual flick, she snapped a ballpoint pen in half. The girl gulped, her bravado dissolving under Anthea's indifferent stare.

"Boss Yeager, what... what's up?"

Anthea's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Who gave you the audacity to badmouth my friend?"

The girl paled. "I'm... I'm sorry, Boss Yeager..."

Just then, Tanya entered. "Ann, what are you up to?"

Anthea slung an arm around the pixie-haired girl's shoulders, her smile disarming. "Just sharing a joke with Mila here. Was it funny, Mila?"

"Mila" nodded frantically. "Y-yeah, it was funny."

Tanya approached, confused. "Ann, her name's Lila."

...

On the other side of town, Sarah had cut all ties with Lacy, leaving Lacy panic-stricken. After a cold voicemail and a blocked contact, Lacy rushed to Debra.

Debra laughed off his concerns. "She's just trying to scare you. Give her space. She'll come crawling back soon enough."

"Really?" Lacy looked at Debra, searching for reassurance.

"Trust me," Debra said confidently. "I've seen it all. But when she does reach out, don't let her off easy. She needs to learn our family's rules." NôvelDrama.Org © content.

"Okay!" Lacy nodded, somewhat relieved.

Debra grabbed her purse. "Now, I've got business to attend to. Two shops on Arcadia Avenue need refurbishing. A job this big could mean a serious payday. I'm not letting this opportunity slip through our fingers!"