From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 314

The child wasn't his.

This was something Jonah never expected.

Just as Jonah was beginning to recover, this revelation caused a relapse, leading to another round of hospital stays and medication.

His memory became erratic.

Sometimes he could remember things clearly.

Other times, everything was a blur.

Alva handed Jonah a glass of water. "Mr. Baxter, take your time, don't rush."

"I can't believe I forgot Gerry's mom! How could I forget her?" Jonah massaged his temples. "I've let Gerry's mom down, I've let her down..."

He hadn't forgotten anything.

Except for Gerard's mother.

Why was that?

"Mr. Baxter, there's also the diary," Alva suddenly recalled. "The one in your safe. You asked me to remind you about it. If you ever forgot your wife, reading the diary would help you remember." Jonah hurriedly opened the safe, his hands trembling as he took out the diary.

A thick notebook filled with memories of the past.

Jonah flipped through it, page by page.

Seeing this, Alva quietly left the office, leaving Jonah alone in the spacious room.

Carole was his first love.

That year.

Carole was eighteen.

He was nineteen.

Jonah had never imagined that while Carole was with him, she was also seeing another man.

Why?

Why would she do that to him?

No.

It couldn't be.

Carole was kind-hearted. She couldn't have done such a thing.

It must be a misunderstanding.

It had to be!

Carole was a good girl.

She couldn't have done this.

Even facing phantom limb pain, Jonah had never shed a tear, but now, he couldn't hold back, and the tears started to flow.

He wanted to confront Carole for clarity.

But he feared facing the reality.

Now, with his broken body, he lacked the courage to face it all.

The atmosphere was suffocating.

At the Christensen household.

Sherman Christensen was home today as well.

At the dinner table, Karen Christensen suddenly spoke up, "Adah."

"What's up, Mom?" Adah Bowman looked up at Karen.

Karen continued, "Aren't we going hiking with Ann tomorrow? Make sure to call Riley to join us. Riley is such a wonderful kid."

"Why invite Riley if it's just the three of us going hiking?" Adah was puzzled.

Karen smiled, "Don't you think Ann and Riley make a cute couple?"

Adah was even more baffled and turned to Sherman, "Weren't you always trying to set Annie up with Sherman?"

Karen was always full of surprises.

"That boy doesn't have eyes for Ann, so I guess I have to play matchmaker with Ann and Riley now," Karen sighed, feigning regret.

Adah nodded and picked up her phone to call Riley Bowman.

Sherman frowned slightly, and after Adah finished the call, he put down his fork, speaking softly, "Grandma, Mom, I'll join you tomorrow." Adah looked at Sherman, surprised.

Was the sun rising from the west today?

Sherman actually wanted to go hiking with them!

Usually, Sherman would rather stay at home and read than go out with them.

What a surprise!

Karen looked irritated, "We're going hiking. Why would you tag along? Riley's company is enough. Are you planning to be a third wheel?"

Then, Karen added, "But if you really want to come, then fine! Just remember not to interfere with Ann and Riley getting to know each other better!" Sherman's expression didn't change as he wiped his face with a napkin, "I'm full. I'll head back to my room."

Watching Sherman's back disappear, Karen burst into laughter.

She was too clever!

She had managed to handle the situation with just one move.

Adah frowned, "Mom, what exactly are you planning?"

Karen beckoned Adah closer, "Come here, and I'll tell you."

Curious, Adah leaned in.

Karen laid out her plan in detail.

Hearing it, Adah couldn't stop laughing, "Mom, you're brilliant! How come I never thought of your strategy?"

She wondered what had gotten into Sherman.