The Bound Between Us

Chapter 742

Herman strolled into the diner, grabbing a seat at an empty booth.

A cheerful waitress promptly approached him. "Hey there! Dining alone or expecting someone? And what's your pick today? We've got spicy chili, mild chicken soup, or maybe a half-and-half pot?" Herman hesitated, scratching his head. "Is the chili really spicy?"

She laughed, "We've got mild and medium options. And judging by your accent, I'd say you're from Riverdale, right? Folks there usually like things sweet and mild. How about the half-and-half? Best of both worlds." Riverdale, huh?

That threw Herman off. No one had ever pegged him for a Riverdale guy before. His ID clearly said he was from a small town near Willowbrook, and Sandy always called him a Willowbrook native. Nicholas walked in just in time to hear this, feeling a bit anxious. He quickly chimed in, "Half-and-half sounds just right."

The waitress nodded, "Great choice. Just scan the code on the table to order."

"Got it," Nicholas replied with a grin. "Thanks, we'll take it from here."

As she walked away, Herman turned to Nicholas. "Have I been to Riverdale?"

"You have," Nicholas bluffed, making it up as he went. "You took a trip once, invited me too, but I couldn't make it. You're always quick to learn, but if only you'd focus on studying, you'd be at Harvard or Yale by now." Herman asked, "So how did Sandy and I end up together?"

Just a caretaker's son, how did he

don't know," Nicholas replied, a bit evasive. "Son, Sandy choosing you is a blessing for our family. Treat her well. I'm getting on in years, just want to see you settled. Marrying Sandy would make me a happy man." Herman frowned,

are you saying?" Nicholas asked, alarmed. "You considering breaking up with Sandy?

sighed, focusing on ordering from his

Nicholas's update, her mind racing. She realized she

...

Springfield, Anastasia slowly woke up from a hangover,

often drank herself into a stupor, waking only by noon. Now, she was staying in the hotel room Herman used to occupy, clinging to his clothes every

with Anastasia all night, dozing on the couch. She woke to see Anastasia on the bed, lost in thought, clutching

Monica said gently,

"Come back to Riverdale

Mom texted this morning;

a

you need to

as an excuse, hoping to pull Anastasia from her slump before she drank herself