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

"Grandma, I'm gonna head back to my room if there's nothing else," Gerard said before turning on his heel and leaving.

Janet watched Gerard's retreating back, her face turning as white as a sheet with anger.

Edna walked in from the garden, attempting to soothe Janet. "Janet, Gerry's still wet behind the ears. There's a lot he needs to learn, and he'll get it eventually. Please, don't be mad."

Janet let out a heavy sigh. "He's getting a bit too out of hand, hanging out with a bad crowd. It's only a matter of time before they lead him astray. Darleen, on the other hand, has been a blessing from the start – never caused you a lick of trouble."

Edna smiled wistfully. "Darleen may seem sensible, but she's got her moments, too. And you know, girls, they just mature faster than boys." All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

The mention of Darleen softened Janet's features. "Isn't her birthday coming up? She's my only granddaughter, and I've got to pick out something special for her."

Janet had always treated Darleen as her own flesh and blood, speaking of her with an affection that brooked no disputes.

"She doesn’t need anything fancy. Janet, you shouldn’t spoil her!"

Janet scolded her gently, "I'm not spoiling her! It's for my granddaughter!"

"You shouldn't talk like that," Edna continued, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I know Jonah's heart still aches for Carole. I never deluded myself into thinking I could take her place. As long as I know Jonah's happy, that's enough for me."

Janet's eyes filled with sympathy as she looked at Edna.

So many years had passed, and yet Edna remained as kind-hearted as ever.

Eighteen years ago, had she fought just a little harder, Carole might not have had the chance she did. It was a bitter reminder that being too kind-hearted was not always a blessing.

Janet patted Edna's hand. "Nonsense! You're the only daughter-in-law I see, and as long as I'm breathing, Jonah won't be bringing any other woman into our family!"

Edna had already given eighteen years of her life waiting for Jonah. Janet wouldn't let her wait another eighteen in vain.

With another sigh, Janet changed the subject. "Edna, why waste your days by my side? Go keep Jonah company. I had someone make him a healing broth; take it to him."

If Edna focused all her attention on Jonah, maybe she would have married him by now.

"Jonah needs his space; I don't want to disturb him," Edna flatly refused.

Janet held Edna's hand tighter, insisting, "Delia's right. Gerry doesn't see the storm on the horizon, and I'm counting on you to give our family another child."

"Janet!" Edna's face blushed crimson. "Please don't tease me!"

"I'm dead serious," Janet said earnestly. "You and Jonah are still young. What's there to fear about having a child?"

After insisting once more, Janet handed the broth to Edna. "Go on, now! Hurry up!"

Reluctantly, Edna took the broth and headed for Jonah's place.

Her car pulled up outside Capital Hospital.

She made a beeline for the VIP suite on the seventh floor.

Two burly guards stood watch at the door. Unfamiliar with Edna, they blocked her entry.

"I'm here to bring Jonah some broth, from Janet," Edna explained with a smile.

The guards exchanged a look before one went inside. Moments later, he returned. "The boss says just hand over the broth to me."

Edna hesitated, then passed the thermos to the guard. "How's your boss doing with his recovery?"

The guard replied with formal detachment. "The boss is doing just fine, ma'am. No need to worry."

A shadow crossed Edna's face.

Jonah was forever like this, without ever offering her a glimmer of hope.

If only he hadn't been so indifferent, she wouldn't have impulsively married Darleen's father out of sheer anger.

But this time, she was determined not to let go of Jonah.

She was going to claim the title of Mrs. Lindsay! It was hers and hers alone!