The Bound Between Us

Chapter 503

Anastasia and Salma arrived home early, stepping into a house that felt unusually silent. Salma's frustration was palpable as she flopped onto the couch, her forehead etched with lines of anger.

"I can't believe it," she fumed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Gianna falling for Herman? Friends' partners should be off-limits!"

Anastasia tried to distract herself from Salma's venting by heading to the kitchen to start dinner. Pattie, eager to help, began rinsing the lettuce a little domestic helper in the making.

As Anastasia chopped vegetables, her mind wandered back to Gianna's recent behavior. How could she have been so blind? Gianna's generosity, offering shares of the café, wasn't out of sisterhood but a ploy to get closer to Herman.

She recalled how Gianna would find any excuse to drop by, evenings filled with laughter and wine. It wasn't her company Gianna sought, but Herman's. She should have seen the signs, but denial had built walls around her heart. Even when Monica Franco had dropped hints, she had foolishly dismissed them.

The thought that her supposed best friend had been scheming for her husband all along made her stomach churn.

"Hey, Ana," Salma's voice broke through her thoughts, still laced with anger. "Gianna's ungrateful, after everything you did for her. Remember when she had that fallout with Joey? You were the one running around fixing things. You and Herman even bailed her out when she got arrested. And now she betrays you like this?"

of night to help Gianna now felt like a betrayal.

at Salma and said, "Mom, let's not dwell on it. Could you peel some garlic?

"Thanks,

little charmer," Anastasia chuckled. "Help me by washing the green beans. Once we're done eating, you've got homework to do. Your teacher posted some math problems and reading exercises in

with pride. "Mom, I got full marks on yesterday's quiz! The teacher even praised

heart swelling with pride. "Just as bright as I was at

the day, you were always at the top of your class, and now she's on the same path. We're going to have a college grad in the family before you

Anastasia. She had dropped out, and now, with a crumbling marriage and no degree,

I let you down," she said softly, remembering her mother's hopes

apology with a smile. "Let's just focus on making our days count, raising Pattie right-that's all

Anastasia agreed. Her purpose was clear: to nurture her daughter and

three worked together to finish preparing dinner, and soon they sat down to a simple yet satisfying

good as any fancy