The Bound Between Us

Chapter 6

Anastasia hadn’t really thought that far ahead. Worried that Monica might get the wrong idea, she clarified, ‘I made the decision, I didn’t want to mooch off anyone. We got hitched in a hurry, and whether we can go the distance is still up in the air, but that’s not the point”

As for the kids‘ education, that’s something that would need even more long–term thinking.

Monica looked a little lost for words. She stared at Anastasia for a while, clearly surprised by her current actions, given what she knew about her.

“Anastasia, are you still planning to go to the class reunion next Friday? I heard Cason will be there too. They’ve even booked Le Manoir Prestige. Cason’s doing pretty well for himself these days, even has his own law firm.”

Monica added, “I also heard he bought a mansion in Southridge Estates, that fancy neighborhood where houses cost a fortune. If you patch things up with Cason, you won’t have to work your fingers to the bone anymore.”

Monica had her doubts about blind dates and thought maybe she could play matchmaker for the two of them.

Anastasia got the hint and laughed, shaking her head, I’m skipping the reunion.”

She was a married woman now, and even though she and Herman weren’t exactly head over heels for each other, they were legally husband and wife, and she owed him loyalty.

Herman had been good to her, and she would do her best to make their life together work. She wasn’t going to stray.

How Cason was doing, whether he was rolling in dough or flat broke, was none of her business anymore.

Monica looked like she had more to say, but just then, Anastasia’s phone rang, and she tensed up at the caller ID.

It was Herman.

up, and Herman’s gentle voice came through, “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

out with a friend.”

to move in, was

cryptic. Text me your location when you’re done, and

at Monica, who whispered,

told Herman on the phone,

yet, and she was worried that if she said she was busy, Herman might think she was making excuses to avoid him.

to take this marriage seriously. Since she was the

the day off, I’m not going to work.

you’re really a married woman now” Monica resigned herself to the reality and sighed, “Well, as your best friend, all I can do now is wish you

actually really gentle, you know”

a plain sedan, texting Anastasia. [I’m here,

saw the text and left the cafe.

his car and got out to

was dressed casually but his innate charm was impossible to hide. Even the most ordinary clothes looked like

like a born

instantly smitten, practically drooling. She lightly patted Anastasia’s shoulder. “Ana, I finally get why you got hitched out of the blue. It’s all because of this hunk!”

could understand why Anastasia might’ve gotten a little impulsive

marry him, his good looks definitely had a lot

is my good friend, Monica. We’ve known each other since high school. Monica, this is my husband, Herman. The word “husband” felt so strange