The Bound Between Us

Chapter 22

She’d been busting her chops over Herman’s marriage, practically hunting for a perfect spouse for him.

Herman went and tied the knot without telling the family. If it wasn’t for Flynn spilling the beans, Katelyn would still be in the dark

Katelyn craned her neck, itching to see what her daughter–in–law looked like Herman quickly grabbed Katelyn’s arm, stopping her from going in, and whispered, “Mom, why didn’t you give me a heads up?”

He now regretted involving Flynn in finding a house because the guy had a mouth like a sieve.

Katelyn shot Herman a look and said. “You got hitched without telling us. I’m here to see my daughter–in–law, not you”

Herman, Don’t frighten her…”

“I know, I’m not some sort of ogre. You look like a cat on a hot tin roof. It’s hilarious,” Katelyn chuckled, growing more excited to see why her usually cool–as–a–cucumber son was all rattled up.

Inside, Anastasia, who was having breakfast, could hear Herman gabbing away outside the door but couldn’t make out what he was saying or to whom.

Anastasia curiously walked over. “Herman”

The sight of Herman in conversation with a stylishly dressed matron puzzled her even more.

On seeing Anastasia, Katelyn’s eyes lit up. “She’s a locker, like a delicate young lady,” she gushed.

From the get–go, Katelyn was smitten with Anastasia. She was over the moon with her new daughter–in–law.

Anastasia looked at Herman in confusion.

Herman said, “Anastasia, this is my

the spot. She found out from her younger son Flynn that her elder son had lied about

smile and said, “Anastasia, you can call her ‘Aunt Aunt,

mind she thought, “Another

relative, Anastasia warmly said, “Aunt, please come in and sit down.”

no clue about all these relatives of Herman’s. Last time, he mentioned a

had been worried that her two sons were pulling a fast one on her, so she had come

“Aunt, here’s some orange

Katelyn. “Aunt, would you like some fruit? Let me get you some.”

off. Let Herman do the work, you can’t spoil him. I’m thrilled about

diamond bracelet and said, “I didn’t bring anything else with me, so

her stuff. Even though she couldn’t afford expensive materials, she could tell at a glance that the

gift is too extravagant, I can’t accept it.” Anastasia was taken aback.

not at all I have many like this at home.” Katelyn insisted on slipping the bracelet onto Anastasia’s wrist, and said, “See, it suits you perfectly,

“Just take

but this was too expensive. And the giver was a distant relative of hers; she

be this clueless.

Katelyn. “Aunt, I really can’t accept such an expensive gift. I have received your well–wishes, please take

this bracelet back”

to accept the gift, which was worth hundreds

you for now, but I’ll still give it to you in the future”

expensive bracelet to a distant relative instead of someone closer She didn’t know the ropes and was too shy to ask. Herman was also worried that Katelyn’s enthusiasm would raise suspicions. After a while, he found an excuse to see

was reluctant to leave As she got into the car, she repeatedly told Herman not to mistreat

only said,

“Son, you can’t let past deceptions_”

brow furrowed “Mom, you should