The Bound Between Us

Chapter 540

Jason couldn't help but frown as he noticed Monica's scattered thoughts. "Monica," he said, his tone firm, "she's my buddy's wife. Some jokes are fine, but there's a line. Not everything's a laughing matter." Monica could tell Jason was annoyed and pouted. "I was just asking, for crying out loud."

"No need to change shoes-just wash up. Dinner's ready," Jason said curtly before heading to the bathroom.

Alisa brought out some cutlery, and a somewhat embarrassed Monica followed suit to wash her hands.

Jason, being a cop, was a stickler for cleanliness, always insisting on using sanitizer before meals.

Monica teased him for being overly prim and proper, chiding, "What's with Mr. Clean here? Since when do tough guys need to be so spotless?"

Soon, the trio sat down to eat. Monica regretted coming; she felt out of place. Leaving now, though, would be awkward.

Internally, Monica grumbled about Jason's stinginess. He'd invited her for dinner, but it wasn't a fancy night out or a home-cooked feast by his own hands. But she kept chatting away, despite her inner gripes. "Jason, try this chicken noodle soup," Alisa offered, ladling some into his bowl with a caring touch. "It's good for the soul."

said with a polite

on Jason with a softness that

Jason served Monica a bowl, saying, "You're always in dusty places with me. Have some-it'll do

do care," Monica replied with a chuckle, sipping the soup. "Alisa, you've outdone yourself.

touch of sadness as she murmured, "Just takes practice." "Where's Isla?"

dropped her off at her grandma's. She was missing

holding up?"

the old couple's feeling down. They thought having Isla around might cheer them up," Alisa said, her voice tinged

out of place, clueless about who Will or Isla were. She stayed quiet and

seeing it was a call from

and said, "Monica, you're so pretty,

exclaimed, "Alisa, you've got quite the eye! You're right, I don't work at the station. I own a beauty