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

At this, the lady lowered her voice, brimming with pride, "Listen, darling, between you and me, a woman really needs a son. It's only with a son that you can really stand tall. Honestly, in my quest for a son, I had to let go of two girls."

Even though it was already the 21st century, many older folks still clung to outdated notions. Only a boy could carry on the family name, while girls were just seen as pretty additions. For a woman, not having a son meant facing humiliation both in public and in private. Speaking nicely, she said she let go of two girls. But in reality, they were abandoned. Back in the day, the number of people who would abandon their daughters in hopes of having a son was just too high...

Hearing this, Carole looked at the lady, astounded. Seeing Carole's reaction, the lady sighed, a look of resignation on her face, "Ah, what can you do? If I hadn't sent them away, we would've had too many kids to feed..."

Carole felt a pang in her heart. She thought of her own circumstances. Had her grandmother not taken her in, she would have been given away by her parents too. Sadly, her grandmother passed away too soon. She never got to repay her grandmother's kindness.

When the topic shifted to her son, the lady's face lit up with pride, "Thankfully, my son's doing us proud! In his school, out of over 30 classes and 1600 students, he always ranks within the top 1000. I'm sure he'll get into a great university!"

Carole maintained a polite yet awkward smile.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"And how's your daughter doing?" the lady inquired further.

Carole responded modestly, "Just average."

The lady chuckled, "Girls are never as clever as boys! It's normal for your daughter to be average. Anyway, a high education for girls isn't that useful; sooner or later, they'll just end up getting married. A high school diploma is quite enough! Times have changed now; even girls can go to school. In our days, I didn't even set foot in a primary school, but look at me, I'm doing just fine! My two little ones, just like me, haven't seen the inside of a school."

Carole just smiled, saying nothing. Because arguing with someone with such a different viewpoint was futile. Perhaps it wasn't the lady's fault. It was the tragedy of an era.

"Hey, what's your Facebook? Let's connect! When my son gets into university, I'll invite you for a celebratory drink!"

"Thank you for the offer, but I'll pass," Carole declined politely.

The lady glanced at Carole, pressing on, “Aren't you thinking of having another child? Doesn't your husband mind? Oh, the man you were standing with, is he your husband?"

"He's my brother."

The lady nodded, "Oh, I see! I thought he looked a bit like you! And your husband?"

Carole didn't want to continue the conversation, but she replied politely, "We're no longer together.”

"Divorced?" the lady asked, surprised.

Carole didn't elaborate, simply nodding.

"So, you're on your own now?"

"Yes."

The lady's eyes darted around, “It's tough for us women, darling. You're still young and pretty; you really should find yourself a man. Life's impossible without a man by your side."

Carole responded calmly, "Times have changed. Men and women are equal now. A woman can live a good life without a man."

The lady shook her head, "Those are just comforting words! Without men, the world would come to an end! Anyway, darling, I know a good man, recently divorced, who hasn't found the right match yet."

Despite Carole having a child, the lady considered it a minor issue since the child was a girl and already in high school. She figured a marriage would also mean a sizable dowry. It seemed like a win-win!

"Thank you, but I'm not interested in remarrying," Carole refused directly.

Blythe found Carole a bit too proud. Sure, she was beautiful, but she was also divorced. How could she compare to a young, never-married girl? Her brother was already doing her a favor by not minding her past. What more could she want? No wonder her husband left her! She deserved to be alone!

Though Blythe thought this, her face remained all smiles, trying to cozy up to Carole with every word.