From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 280

Malcolm's face drained of color, and he didn't bother to explain. "Since you've figured it out, there's nothing left for me to say. Gina, I'm sorry, but you know as well as I do. Love isn't something you can control!"

"I'm asking you just one thing, Malcolm. Me, our daughter Lizzie, our home, or that woman. Who do you choose?"

From a mother's perspective, Gina still wanted to save the family despite Malcolm's betrayal. She was ready to give him a chance if he was willing to repent. Lizzie was already so grown up that Gina couldn't let her child grow up without a father. And with Liz's senior year of high school, a pivotal moment in life, around the corner, Gina didn't want her to face it without her dad or the happy family she once knew.

"I choose you and our family!" Malcolm declared without hesitation.

"Fine," Gina said, her voice tinged with resolve. "I'll give you one more chance."

Malcolm wrapped his arms around her. "Gina, thank you. You're an incredible woman, and I swear I won't let you down again."

Gina sighed, a mix of hope and distress. "When someone comes back from messing up, it's priceless. I hope you mean it."

"I do. I swear it."

When Lizzie came down to dinner and saw her parents acting as if nothing had happened, she was stunned, disbelief written all over her face. She couldn't understand why her mother would forgive her father.

After dinner, under the pretense of a stroll, Malcolm went to Cindy's place. Her eyebrows rose in curiosity upon seeing him. "Weren't you supposed to be with your wife and kid? What brings you back here?"

Malcolm massaged his temples. "Don't ask. She found out about us. I might not be able to see you for a few days."

Cindy's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Your daughter spilled the beans, right?"

Caught off guard, Malcolm asked, "How did you know?"

"I saw Lizzie at the movies yesterday. That girl is sharp, a real piece of work. And honestly, she doesn't care much about you deep down."

Cindy pulled Malcolm into an embrace. "You're not thinking of breaking up with me, are you? I love you. I can't be without you!"