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

When the time came, what wouldn’t she have at her fingertips?

Anytime Mr. Christensen was mentioned, a faint blush would dance across Darleen’s cheeks.

She had the fortune of catching a distant glimpse of Mr. Christensen at a cocktail party once.

It was a fleeting marvel.

Right then, Darleen had secretly decided that this was the man she would marry.

After all, Mr. Christensen was a man of high standing and influence. Marrying him meant that she would rule over Capital City.

"Okay, Mom, I get it," Darleen nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be good from now on."

Edna nodded, satisfied, a sharp glint in her eyes, "That's my girl."

In a bedroom of the Yeager family, Anthea sat in front of her computer, her fingers tapping away rapidly on the keyboard, the screen casting a warm glow on her face.

As it was getting late, Anthea shut down her computer and headed to the living room, ready to make her way to the diner to help out.

The living room was dark and the lights were off.

Anthea pressed the wall switch.

But, the light didn't come on.

She narrowed her eyes slightly. A power outage?

Just then, there was a rustling noise at the door.

A burglar? Anthea clenched her fists, ready to defend herself.

"Happy Birthday to you, Ann..."

Out of the darkness, Carole and Nanson appeared, holding a birthday cake aglow with candles, slowly walking towards her.

The warm yellow light softly illuminated their faces.

At that moment, Anthea was slightly stunned.

In her past life, she was an orphan who didn't even know her birthday, let alone have anyone celebrate it for her.

This was the first time someone had prepared a birthday cake for her and had sung her a birthday song.

It felt weird, almost like having a lump stuck in her throat.

"Here's to our Ann, Happy Birthday! May you always be happy and forever young!"

"Ann, make a wish and blow out the candles!"

Recovering from her daze, Anthea bowed her head, her hands pressed together, and made a sincere birthday wish.

After making her wish, she blew out the candles in one breath.

When the candles were extinguished, the lights flicked on at the same moment.

Anthea realized then that it wasn't just Carole and Nanson there. Latonia, Keeley, Sarah and Walter were also present.

"Thank you all." Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

"You silly child, there's no need to thank your own family!"

"Ann! Happy Birthday!" Sarah, taking Anthea by surprise, smeared a dollop of cream on her face.

"Hey Sarah, you dare to cream me!"

The two young girls ended up in a playful scuffle, quickly turning into a couple of frosted felines.

This was Anthea's first birthday in this new world, and by far the happiest.

In just over two months, she had gained family, friendship, and many things that money couldn't buy.

After the cake, Sarah curled up on the couch to chat with Anthea, "Ann, remember I told you about live streaming? Have you tried it?"

Anthea nodded, "Yeah, I gave it a go."

"How was it?" Sarah inquired.

"Pretty average," Anthea replied.

Suddenly intrigued, Sarah jumped up from the couch, "Come on Ann, let's go to your room. I want to see you live stream."

"Sure," Anthea said with a small nod.

Since she had promised her fans another live stream of chess last night, she was preparing to play again this evening.

Sarah was amazed, "Wow Ann! You're so good at chess! An experienced level already!"

Anthea modestly responded, "Keep it down."

Just then, a system message popped up on the chess game.

‘LeisureHermit requests to add you as a friend.’

LeisureHermit? Wasn't that the same poor soul who lost to her twice in a row last night?