The Bound Between Us

Chapter 502

Gianna, cornered and unable to hide her secret any longer, stammered, "It's... it's from Herman. He gave it to me." Anastasia had suspected as much, but the confirmation still hit her like a punch to the gut.

Her own cousin had feelings for her ex-husband.

Anastasia's tone sharpened, verging on aggressive, "Why on earth would he give you something so personal?"

Gianna's eyes darted away, guilt written all over her flushed face, "I... we..."

Gianna was too ashamed to admit how she came by the handkerchief because that would mean confessing her unrequited crush on Herman, her self-delusional affection.

The atmosphere in the private dining room grew tense and awkward until Cynthia tried to lighten the mood, "Anastasia, don't you know what it means when a man gives a woman a personal gift? You and Herman are divorced, so it's none of your business who he's into now. Besides, it's better to keep things in the family, right? If Gianna marries into the Salstroms, we're all still kin."

Cynthia's words were a masterclass in diplomacy.

Anastasia, however, remained unplacated. Her gaze was icy as she turned to Cynthia, "Auntie, did you know about Gianna and Herman's fling all along?"

and said, "It's no big deal. We're all about free love these days, aren't we? Gianna's single, Herman's

saw the true colors

Cafe was just a blatant hint of your undying love for Herman, wasn't it? We weren't even divorced then-he was still my husband. Gianna, I treated you like

face turned deathly pale, unable to meet Anastasia's gaze,

couldn't stand another moment there. She grabbed Pattie's hand

blurted out, "What's so wrong about loving Herman? Anastasia, love can't be controlled.

back to face Gianna with an impassive

once knew what it felt like to be cherished. That day at your place, seeing him be so gentle with you, laughing and cooking together in the kitchen... I was so

Gianna seemed to feel

secret crush was out in

No more hiding.

it was me who let the wolf in," Anastasia said with a sardonic chuckle. "Gianna, the Herman you fell for is the one who was kind to me. You really are

version of Herman that Gianna loved