The Bound Between Us

Chapter 33

Monica consoled Salma. “Hey, don’t beat yourself up, Salma You were just looking out for Anastasia*

Looking towards the living room, she muttered, ‘Maybe destiny thought Anastasia got the short end of the stick these past years, so it threw her this marriage as a way to make up for the bad luck.”

Salma replied, “Herman seems like a pretty good catch”

Monica hadn’t filled Salma in on Herman’s real identity. Since Anastasia and Herman were still sleeping in separate beds, spilling the beans would backfire. Knowing Anastasia, she would march straight to city hall and file for divorce.

However,

they fell in love, the tides could turn.

Lunch was a feast, all hand–made by Anastasia with a little help from Herman.

Everyone gathered around the table, and Anastasia cheerfully greeted everyone, “Hope you’re all starving. Dig in! Ms. Katelyn, Herman mentioned you’re into light dishes. These are pretty mild and should be up your alley.”

“Absolutely perfect. Katelyn chuckled, her eyes sweeping over Anastasia and Herman. Her words carried a double meaning.

Not only was the food just right, but her daughter–in–law was also just what she hoped for.

Anastasia didn’t catch the subtext, but Monica did. It seemed Katelyn was quite pleased with her new daughter–in–law.

the rest should

then presented a gift with a smile. “Ana, here’s a little something for your wedding. May you grow old together and have kids

you grow

soon.”

the

now. Time to start thinking about kids. You

the occasion, agreed, “It’s a good time to start planning.”

blushed. Seeing both

let’s just go with

could mean he was not ready to take on a family, or he wasn’t prepared

now. Most guys your age are itching to have kids. You say you’re not in a rush, but you must

to have kids, Anastasia felt a bit

answered honestly, “No plans. We’ll let fate decide.” He figured she wasn’t ready to have kids either, so he wasn’t

found his response a little too casual. She worried Herman was just toying with Anastasia but couldn’t say

said, changing the subject with a smile. “Mom, try some of this. Ms.

only stay silent, but he replied with a smile, “Thanks, Ana.”

went on

striking up

didn’t look down on her at all. Instead, she felt sorry for Salma’s hardship. Raising a child alone was no