The Bound Between Us

Chapter 670

As Jason explained, Monica's eyes were red, locked onto him with an intensity that made the air feel heavy. Hearing him admit to it, to confirm there was indeed something between him and another woman, Monica fought back the tears. There was no way she was going to cry in front of Jason. That was her pride.

"So, when you say you're sorry... you mean you're going to take responsibility for her, right?" Monica forced a smile, trying to seem magnanimous. "You're a stand-up guy, Jason. You've got responsibilities, and I know you'll take care of them. After all, Will saved your life. You're practically family with Alisa and her kid, and you've been helping out Big Dan's mom. They need you. I get it."

"Monica," Jason's voice was rough, thick with emotion. He held her shoulders, struggling with his words, finally managing just a simple, "I'm sorry."

Monica waved it off with a laugh that sounded more carefree than she felt. "Hey, what are you sorry for? You haven't wronged me. Worst case, I find a new boyfriend, right? I mean, come on, I'm gorgeous. It's not like good men are as rare as unicorns." Monica decided to let go, to respect Jason's sense of duty. The age-old struggle between love and obligation. If Jason didn't do right by Alisa, he'd never find peace, and they'd both carry that burden forever.

Her understanding only deepened Jason's guilt. He pulled Monica into a hug, no words necessary, just holding her tightly, maybe for the last time.

Monica leaned against his shoulder, gazing up at the night sky, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"Alright, Jason, goodbye. I'm heading home." Monica stepped back, wearing a breezy smile as she dusted herself off and headed to the curb to hail a cab.

until the light

home, Monica sank into the couch. This relationship had ended before it really began, the

lied. This time, Jason had been unfaithful,

Monica ran her hands through her hair. Why was she so

from Anastasia: "Monica, you home safe? You

Anastasia was worried, sending a late text to check

replied: "I'm fine, home now. Ana, gonna try to sleep. Talk

to intrude further,

into a restless sleep, deciding

sleep, she woke up past

on some designs. "Morning, sleepyhead. Saw you were

Monica wrapped her arms around Anastasia, acting a bit spoiled. "You're always so good to me. You, pregnant and all, and here I am causing you