From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 275

The scene before Lizzie's eyes stung her heart.

Since her dad, Malcolm, had transformed into someone she could hardly recognize, she had tried to bury the painful truth, instead painting him in her mind as a doting father and a loving husband. She clung to the illusion of their once-happy family of three.

But reality delivered a crushing blow.

In all the years that had passed, Lizzie had never seen Malcolm take Gina to a movie or give her a present. Gina was always giving, silently and selflessly, without expecting anything in return.

And what does she get for it? Malcolm's betrayal, once again.

"Dad!" Lizzie couldn't hold back any longer.

Hearing the familiar voice in the movie theater, Malcolm turned around and saw Lizzie's face etched with disappointment.

The middle-aged woman beside Malcolm offered Lizzie a warm and friendly smile.

Lizzie clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out.

"Just wait here for me," Malcolm whispered to the woman, then hurried over to Lizzie.

"Lizzie, what are you doing here?"

"That's not the point. The real question is, why are you with that woman? Didn't you say you would cut ties with her? By doing this, where do you put Mom?"

Malcolm's face darkened. "What woman? All those years of education, and you talk like this, huh?" His expression softened slightly. "Lizzie, you're too young to understand adult matters. That's Cindy. She's a kind and good woman who doesn't mind not having an official title and just being with your dad."

Lizzie scoffed. "Kind and good? So, she thinks it's okay to steal someone else's husband and wreck a family?"

Malcolm continued, "Lizzie, since time immemorial, what man hasn't been fickle? I've just made a mistake that any man would make. Think about it. In the old days, men had multiple mistresses. No matter what, your mother will always be my wife. I love her, but that love has expired. It's turned into familial affection. Cindy and I share true love, Lizzie. I hope you can accept that."