From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Eight years passed, and the Morris family had a little princess.

Latham made the long journey from Capital City to attend the baby’s christening party, where he and the family exchanged keepsakes, forging a bond between the two families.

Amid the celebration, Rebecca interrupted with a smile, “Mrs. Christensen, I just turned eighteen, and I’m not ready to settle down yet. Besides, the Christensen family is royal and prestigious, and I’m just plain Jane. How could I ever match up to Mr. Christensen?”

Not reading too much into it, Karen beamed at Rebecca. “Nonsense, my dear! You’re as lovely as a summer’s day. Of course, you’re a match for us. Don’t worry. Now that the engagement is set, we’ll keep our word. Sherman will be over the moon to have you.”

Rebecca’s expression soured at Karen’s obliviousness.

Couldn’t the old bat see she was being sarcastic? It was evident that the fifth Christensen wasn’t worthy of her!

But Karen made it sound like Rebecca was reaching for the stars.

Bah! That was disgusting!

Daly and Sandra also looked uneasy. What was Karen implying? Didn’t she have any

self–awareness?

Sensing the tension, Adah glanced at Karen, and their eyes locked, both expressions shifting

subtly.

Adah stood up with a gracious smile. “Daly, Sandra, listen. Karen means we’ve come this long way to settle the youngsters‘ future. They’re grown, and an early agreement gives us all peace of mind.”

“Mrs. Christensen, this is about my future, and my parents can’t decide it for me.” Rebecca interjected firmly. “Please don’t put them in an awkward position. Since you’re here, let’s be clear. I want to focus on my studies and careers, not on distractions tike this. So, let’s call off the engagement. It’s not like we live in the times of arranged marriages anymore.”

Adah and Karen were stunned at Rebecca’s declaration.

Rebecca continued, “I’m sure Mr. Christensen will find someone who is truly his equal.”

She was no prize for some no–name to aspire to!

Slightly embarrassed, Daly stood up, “Karen, Adah, my apology. My daughter sometimes speaks out of turn. If she has offended you, please don’t take it to heart.”

“Dad, I’m an adult now! I have the right to choose!” Rebecca looked at Daly with determination.. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Daly continued, “Rebecca’s my only girl, and I’ve probably spoiled her rotten. You see, even though I’m her father, I can’t make decisions for her! If she doesn’t want to, we can’t force her.

As the old saying goes, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Let’s call off the

engagement.”

Adah maintained a polite smile. “Daly, breaking an engagement is no small matter. Our families have been friends for years, and on his deathbed, Latham emphasized that we must honor this commitment.”

Latham was a man of his word, as close as a brother to Daly.

Even though the Christensen family had risen far above the humble Morris family, they still valued honor despite all.

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But the Morris family wanted to break the engagement, insinuating that the Christensen family was out of their league.

Was this some mistake?

The situation was not unfolding as Daly had expected. Even after laying it all out, Adah seemed reluctant to cancel the engagement.

The nerve!

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“Adah,” Daly said, looking up at Adah, “one must have self–awareness. We’ve made ourselves quite clear, and you’re a smart woman. Why play dumb?”