The Substitute Bride

Laura knew that if Anthony went to see Sheryl, she would be likely to forgive him. She had to prevent that at all cost. Therefore, she decided to look and act like her condition was getting worse.

Seeing Laura's pained expression, Anthony sat beside her and asked, "What's the matter? Are you not feeling well?"

"You don't need to act like you're concerned," commented Laura. She knew that guilt-tripping would work with him, so she continued complaining, "There's no more room for your mother in your heart. Your entire attention is just for that bitch, isn't it?"

"Mom, that's not true. Please don't say such a thing," Anthony requested. With a defeated look, he mentioned, "Now that you've burned your bridges with Sheryl, I will not go see her again."

"Really?" exclaimed Laura excitedly. Her eyes were gleaming with joy at Anthony's words and all of a sudden, she was no longer showing any pain. Pleading innocent, she tried to solidify her point of view, "My son, please don't blame me for my actions. I did so for your sake. You should know… Sheryl doesn't deserve you. You would only suffer by being with her."

"I know that," muttered Anthony staring at a fixed point on the floor. He lifted his head to look at Laura in the eyes and forced one corner of his mouth into a half-smile.

She felt his indecisiveness and reiterated, "Remember what I told you. She isn't right for you. You can't see her anymore, okay? You promised me." Anthony turned his face, unable to keep listening to her. He stared into the void, tuning his mother out. Seeing that he wasn't responding, Laura decided to push the matter onto him, "My love, you should know that everything I do is for you. I wouldn't do anything to harm you. However, when it comes to those other women, they don't have your best interest at heart. They only care about themselves."

Laura grabbed Anthony's hand and continued, "I know you are sad now. But trust me, before long, you will forget about her and realize that what I'm saying is true. You have also seen what kind of person that woman is. Better to end it sooner rather than later..."

Irritated, Anthony interrupted her words, "Mom, I got it." He slipped his hand out of her grip and stood up abruptly. He paused for a second, and then told Laura, "I'll be right back. I'm just going out for a cigarette."

Just as Anthony left the room, Junia came back with some water for Laura. Seeing that Anthony w

rased, "I am asking... Since today has been a rough day for you, are you feeling okay?" Anthony found it too hard to explain the multitude of feelings that were taking over him. So he just shook his head lightly and answered shortly, "I am fine."

"Okay, if you say so..." Junia replied. It was obvious he was not well but she didn't know how to comfort him. Eventually, though, she decided to try, "Today Aunt Laura may have crossed the line. Although I know it is not my business, but her words really hurt Sheryl. In spite of that, she has held her temper, choosing not to make things worse. To be frank, I respect her for that."

"Do you also think my mom was going too far?" Anthony wondered after a short pause. He was surprised that Junia was not taking Laura's side. He thought she would rejoice at the thought of him and Sheryl breaking up.

However, if that was the case, her comments didn't make any sense.

Seeing Anthony's surprised look, Junia knew she had made the right move.

So she continued explaining, "Of course I do. I am a woman, too. In Sheryl's place, I may not have held it in as well as her. Perhaps I may have said some mean words back. But Sheryl has excellent manners; or maybe she respects you too much to say anything." Junia spoke calmly, pondering upon each word.

She knew that speaking ill of Sheryl would really upset Anthony. He might even turn against her.

So she chose not to blame Sheryl, but just told Anthony exactly what he wanted to hear. Even though it seemed like she was defending Sheryl, she was actually trying to gain Anthony's favor by demonstrating her kindness.