From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Meanwhile, on the other side of town.

Anthea had proinised Sherman Christensen a dinner out on Saturday night, to after spending the day window shopping, the holed up in het hotel room in the evening to look for a restmeani

She found a well reviewed vegetarian bist online and looked up at Sarah “Hey Sarah, let’s go out for dinner tonight.”

“you’re taking Mr Oxistensen out?” Sarah inquired

Althea noaded slightly

Clutching her phone, Sarah said. “Ann, count me out”

“Why’s that Anthea asked, puzzled.

ntinued. “Mr. Christensen’s got this intense num, I just can’t handle it! Every time I get into his car, I feel like I can’t breathe…” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

ah wasn’t lying. She genuinely felt a bit intimidated by Sherman. Sure, he was handsome, followed a strict vegetarian diet, and was voutly spintual, but her fear seemed to emanate from her very bones, completely beyond her control.

Cunous Sarah followed up. “Ann, aren’t you even a little scared of Mr. Christensen?”

Anthea raised an evebrow playfully, “Scared? What’s there to be scared of? He doesn’t bite!”

“I

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but he’s just… intimidating!” Sarah added, “You go on, I’ll wait for you here at the hotel.”

Truth be told, Sarah had her own little plan.

Sherman was no ordinary guy, and neither was Anthea.

Though Sherman was a vegetanan and seemed cold, Sarah had a hunch that he felt something special for Anthea.

if those two ended up together? Sarah definitely didn’t want to be the third wheel!

“Sarah, we’re going to Capital City’s most famous vegetarian bistro tonight. You sure you want to miss out?” Anthea asked.

“Positive and certain!” Sarah urged Anthea towards the door, “Oh, Ann, stop worrying about me. Go on, have a good time!”

Anthea grabbed her hat from the coat rack and placed it on her head, “Alright, I’m off then.”

“Mhm” Sarah nodded.

The bistro wasn’t far from the hotel; a mere 20–minute walk. Considering Capital City’s notorious traffic jams, Anthea chose to walk instead of hailing a cab.

Although it was a sunny day, patches of snow still clung stubbornly to the ground.

At four in the afternoon, as the sun began to set, its rays refracted off the snow casting the world in a golden glow.

Anthea was dressed in black leggings, a white knit sweater, and draped in a knee–length beige wool coat. Her hat, with a veil shading her face, added a touch of mystery to her already delicate features.

Passersby couldn’t help but give her admining glances.

Twenty minutes later, she arrived at the bistro.

Sherman was already there, seated by a window dressed in a simple, elegant suit, a rosary twined in his fingers, his gaze serene as he

looked out the window.

The chandelier’s light played across his sharp features, adding an icy veneer to his already cool demeanor.

The waitstaff passing by didn’t dare to hold his gaze for too long.

* 3 2 2 2 6 3 6 F F 6 2 6 2 6 7 2

“You’re early, Mr. Christensen, Anthea said as she approached.

Sherman glanced back at her, replying briefly, “Only a few minutes before you.”

Anthea took off her hat and placed it on the chair beside her.

Sherman got her a cup of tea

Anthea took her seat and sipped the tea gently. It was crisp and sweet on the palate a sign of fine tea.

She took another sip and asked, “Have you ordered, Mr. Christensen?”

“Ladies first,” Sherman replied, passing her the menu.

Anthea was quietly surprised as she took the menu. For someone of Sherman’s stature in Luxphinia, maintaining such chivalry was no- small feat.

In his position, he didn’t need to please anyone.

10:36)

In Capital City, perhaps even in all of tuplarza,

Perhaps this was just a testament to hes per day

Andres selected a few of her favorite dishes and handed the many kark to thurman

more

He ordered a couple men appetizers,

The dishes gnised quickly, and Anthes didn’t stand on ceremony with Shermen. She picked up her tork and ode and began saring

arrived