From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Seeing Edna and Jonah heading straight for a fairy–tale ending brought her immense joy

the longied froseif not as Miss Fletcher, the lesser known daughter of a local family, but as the nightful Miss Lindsay, heiress to the Lindsay legacy

The Lindsays and the Christensens were as thick as thieves, and soon enough, Darleen would rub shoulders with Mc Christensen and take on the esteemed role of Mrs. Sinclair

Edna nodded affirmatively, “You better get ready”

*I’m on it!‘ Darleen dashed into the house with the speed of a gazelle.

Jessica, lost in thought, gave Edna a meaningful look before speaking. Tve got a jar of pure wildflower honey, brought from the countryside by a friend. Take it to Janet, will you?”

A smile curled at the corner of Edna’s lips, ‘T be sure to pass on Janet’s thanks.”

Jessica instructed the maid to fetch the honey.

In no time, Darleen re–emerged, dressed to the nines.

Just then, Edna’s phone rang. Her expression shifted noticeably as she answered, but she quickly regained her composure and hung up with a smile, waving at Darleen, “That was Janet, hurrying us along Let’s not keep her waiting

“Sure thing,” Darleen nodded in agreement.

Edna bid farewell to the elderly Mrs. Fletcher, ignoring the subtle shifts in the room’s atmosphere, and promptly escorted Darleen out the door.

“Pfft! What’s there to be smug about?” Patsy huffed

Samantha shared the sentiment, indeed! As if Jonah would ever spare her a second glancer

“Both of you zip it!” Jessica’s voice was stem, ‘Once she marries into the Lindsay family, our family will benefit. Can’t you even pretend to be happy? Shallow fools!”

Silence fell like a heavy curtain

Patsy and Samantha exchanged glances, neither daring to user another word

Stepping out of the Fletcher estate, Edna’s sunny disposition clouded over

They hopped into a rideshare and left the villa neighborhood

Curiously, Darleen asked, “Huh, why didn’t Janet send a car for us?”

Edna’s face was a mask of stemness, and Darleen, adept at reading her moods, immediately straightened up, staying as quiet as possible.

Edna’s expectations for Darleen were sky–high

Proper posture for standing and sitting, mastery of the arts, and Darleen’s childhood was virtually nonexistent, spent in various classes and workshops.

Even now, Edna’s demands were stringent – nothing less than top grades would do. Failure meant a chilling silence or worse, physical reprimand. Thankfully, Darleen had always risen to the occasion, never disappointing Edna

Soon, they arrived at a hotel in Capital City

Darleen was confused. Weren’t they supposed to visit the Lindsays?

Looking at Edna, she asked, “Mom, are we in the wrong place?”

Edna replied, “Janet’s tied up today. We’re not going to her place for Christmas”

“Oh Darleen’s heart sank with disappointment, but she didn’t press further

At the Yeager residence in Cloudcrest, the holiday vibe were in full swing, with the TV broadcasting holiday specials.

Nanson and Anthea were busy hanging festive banners, and window decals.

Carple’s voice floated from the kitchen, “Annie, we’re fresh out of vinegar. Could you do a quick run to the market and pick some up?

sing” Anthea replied, setting down the banner. “Be right back!

the grabbed her phone and coat, and burned out the door

ghborhood. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

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