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.
Tears welled in Sandra's eyes. "Rebecca... how could you say that to your father and me? It's not like we mixed up our children
on purpose! Do you think we wanted any of this?"
Rebecca stared at her, a chilling thought flashing through her mind-what if Sandra simply vanished? If Sandra were gone, she'd
be all alone in the world...
The Morris and Christensen families had been close for years. Surely, if she was left without anyone, the Christensens wouldn't
have the heart to abandon her. Maybe, out of sympathy, they'd take her back in.
And then, she'd be Sherman's fiancée once more. After all, she hadn't wanted to break off the engagement in the first place.

Her eyes flickered with calculation, but she quickly dissolved into tears. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean it. I'm just so upset. Can
you understand how I feel?"
"It's okay, sweetheart. It's okay." Sandra's 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
amazing young woman. I know you'll find someone even better."
But as Sandra spoke, Rebecca's eyes hardened. Better than Sherman?

such man existed. She had to marry Sherman Anyone who
stood in her way was nothing but an obstacle-one she'd remove o matter what.
Trying to shift the mood, Rebecca said, “Mom, you haven't eaten yet, right? Let me make you something."
She'd spent weeks before her last wedding practicing her cooking, all to please Alex. Now, she put those skills to use.
When Sandra tasted her daughter's homemade food, whatever anger she'd felt melted away.
The next morning, Rebecca was up early. She put on a touch of makeup, then headed to the market to buy some bones for a
hearty broth.
When she returned, Sandra was lounging on the sofa, playing a game on her phone.
Rebecca poured her a glass of water. "Here, Mom. Drink this-it's good for your digestion in the morning."
Sandra took the glass and drank it down.
Rebecca's eyes narrowed slightly. "By the way, Mom, I need to head out for a bit: There's broth
simmering on the stove—just let it
cook for another hour, then
remember to tur
off the hear

won't be home for lunch, so help
yourself to the soup."
"Alright," Sandra nodded.
Rebecca picked up her bag. Before she left, she glanced back at the pot gently
bubbling on the stove.