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

Janet gazed at Jonah's retreating figure and let out a heavy sigh.

Jonah had so much going for him, if only he weren't so hopelessly devoted!

Unfortunately, he had given his heart to the wrong person. Carole wasn’t worth his unwavering loyalty.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Madam, Edna Fletcher is here."

At the mere mention of the name, Janet's face brightened and she promptly bee-lined for the living room.

"Edna."

"Janet." Edna walked in, carrying a thermos. "I've made you some bone broth, with some herbs for wellness. You should drink it while it's hot."

Edna was 39 but looked after herself so well that she could pass for a woman in her early twenties. With her radiant beauty and graceful demeanor, she was always seen with a polite smile, never seeming to get upset about anything.

Edna and Jonah had grown up together, childhood sweethearts through and through.

She had always had a special place in her heart for Jonah.

Their families had even verbally agreed to a marriage between them when they were both children.

But it was a case of unrequited love.

When Edna found out that Jonah had forsaken her for a woman as plain as they come, she married a suitable man in a fit of pique.

Sadly, her husband died in a car accident not long after they wed.

At that time, Edna was pregnant.

Janet had always felt guilty about it and believed their family had wronged Edna. If Jonah hadn't broken the engagement, Edna wouldn't have been widowed so young.

After her husband's death, Edna didn’t remarry. She waited for Jonah, which made Janet very fond of her. She had long considered Edna Jonah’s future wife.

"In this sweltering heat, you shouldn't have troubled yourself."

Edna ladled a bowl of the broth and handed it to Janet, "Nonsense, you've looked after me for years. It's the least I can do."

Janet took the bowl and tasted the broth, "By the way, where’s Darleen today?"

Darleen was Edna's daughter, born posthumously.

After her husband's death, Edna chose to keep the baby.

Edna smiled, "Darleen started school today."

Janet nodded.

Edna glanced at Janet hesitantly, "Janet, my mother passed away when I was young, and I've always seen you as my mother. There's something I’m not sure I should say."

"Edna, speak your mind. There's no need for formalities."

With that encouragement, Edna carefully considered her words, "I've heard rumors that Gerry's mother was carrying twins. No matter what happened back then, that child is still part of the Lindsay family. Can you bear to let them fend for themselves?"

Edna grasped Janet's hand earnestly, continuing, "As a widow and a single mother, I know how hard it is for a woman to raise a child alone. Please, forgive Carole. It's clear that Jonah still loves her."

"You're too kind-hearted," Janet patted Edna's hand, "But don't be fooled by Carole. Do you think I'm heartless? If that child was Jonah's, wouldn't I do everything to bring them back?"

The Lindsay family had a tradition of only having boys.

Janet had five sons, eleven grandsons, and three great-grandsons, but not a single granddaughter. She had always dreamed of having one.

When she learned there might be a granddaughter out there, she was over the moon.

But then all her excitement had been for nothing.

Edna, shocked, asked, "What do you mean?"

Janet sighed, "That child isn't Jonah's."

"No way!" Edna clapped her hand over her mouth in disbelief, "I've met Carole. She could never be that sort of person! You must be mistaken."

"I've had a DNA test done at the hospital," Janet continued. "Jonah, like you, didn't believe me and secretly had five more tests done abroad. The results were all the same." Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"But aren't the child and Gerry twins?"

"The doctor told me they could be fraternal twins with different fathers."

Edna was stunned but still defended Carole, "I'm certain Carole isn't that type of woman!"

Janet turned cold, "Enough, Edna! Don't speak well of her. Carole is a flirtatious woman, not worthy of your defense. In my eyes, only you are suited for Jonah!"

Hearing this, Edna smiled sadly, "Janet, just being by your side and Jonah's is enough for me. I never had false hopes of marrying him. Love is about giving, not possessing. I just want Jonah to be happy."

Edna never wavered her kindness.

She never resented Jonah.

Even after her husband's death as she lived as a widow, she never complained. Instead, she often spoke in favor of Carole to Janet.

"My dear girl," Janet tapped Edna's forehead, "You need to be a little selfish in life! You're too good. That's why Carole stole Jonah from you. But in my heart, you are my daughter-in-law and Darleen is my granddaughter. Our family has longed for a girl for years. Darleen will be our precious gem!"