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

Meanwhile, on the other side of town.

Anthea had promised Sherman Christensen a dinner out on Saturday night, so after spending the day window shopping, she holed up in her hotel room in the evening to look for a restaurant.

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

“You’re taking Mr. Christensen out?” Sarah inquired.

Anthea nodded slightly.

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

“Why’s that?” Anthea asked, puzzled.

Sarah continued, “Mr. Christensen’s got this intense aura, I just can’t handle it! Every time I get into his car, I feel like I can't breathe...”

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

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

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

“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 vegetarian and seemed cold, Sarah had a hunch that he felt something special for Anthea.

What 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 admiring 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.

“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. Content is © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

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.

In Capital City, perhaps even in all of Luxphinia, he was a man of considerable influence.

Perhaps this was just a testament to his personal refinement.

Anthea selected a few of her favorite dishes and handed the menu back to Sherman.

He ordered a couple more appetizers.

The dishes arrived quickly, and Anthea didn’t stand on ceremony with Sherman. She picked up her fork and knife and began savoring the meal.