The Bound Between Us

Chapter 808

"Herman's back!"

"It's really him-wow, he looks incredible!"

"It's him, it's really him!"

The crowd was buzzing, voices rising and falling in a wave of excitement. The air was thick with energy, the kind that makes your heart race and your skin tingle.

Anastasia saw him and ran, weaving through the crowd. Herman climbed down from the massive robot statue in the center of the square-something straight out of a city festival. As soon as he hit the ground, Anastasia flung herself into his arms. He caught her, holding her close.

For a second, Anastasia thought she might actually explode from happiness. She was shaking so hard she could barely stand, the adrenaline running wild in her veins. His scent—familiar, warm, the very essence of home-washed over her. He was really here.

She started crying tears of joy, unable to get a word out, just holding him as tightly as she could, like if she let go, he'd vanish.

All around them, the city watched. People at home, glued to their screens, felt their hearts squeeze and smiles break out. Even the grumpiest folks found themselves cheering.

The plaza erupted-cheers, whistles, pure celebration, as if the whole place had won the lottery.

Off to the side, a cab driver who'd lost a bet grumbled, "I knew I shouldn't have listened to Sandy and her big mouth. There goes my thousand bucks."

Everyone who'd bet on Herman's return was celebrating like they'd hit the jackpot.

Herman looked down at Anastasia in his arms. Even though everything in his head was a blur, the way she dove into his embrace made something deep inside him settle. For the first time in months, he felt like he belonged somewhere.

Feiman and his crew spotted Herman and were over the moon. Katelyn was so overwhelmed she nearly fainted.

Monica, unable to contain herself, hugged Jason tight. "Jason, Herman's really back! He's alive-this is unreal!"

"Told you he'd make

happy, Jason couldn't help

holding Jason and quickly let go, but Luke smoothly took her hand, fingers lacing

tried to pull away, but for

her own way. Money really does make the world go

Money talks, after all.

Dailey, Collin, and the rest couldn't stop

"The boss

spotted Herman and called out without thinking, "Mr.

the crowd, Sandy saw her

in smoke. She'd lost,

She

it. If only she'd been a

would never have made it back to

her brother. "Sean, get the car. We're heading

steeled herself for whatever revenge Herman and Anastasia might

the crosswalk, too far back to see Herman and Anastasia

screen.

really love him

buzzed. Asher was

be in Riverdale in two days. Herman's gone,

need to

Rowan swallowed hard. "Asher...

Herman

dead. He's