The Bound Between Us

Sandy walked into the living room, instantly annoyed at the sight of her mom,

Ashley, crying like the world was ending. Honestly, did she have to fall apart every single time something happened? Sandy just couldn't deal with it.

Sean shot her a warning look. "Sandy, could you maybe not right now?"

She sighed. "Sean, come on, it's not like this is the first time with Mom and Dad. If we don't deal with their mess, are we just supposed to pretend it's all fine forever?" Her tone was sharp, unsympathetic. "Can you give us a minute alone? I need to talk to Mom."

Sean hesitated, then leaned closer, voice low. "Sandy, Mom's already upset. Go easy, okay?"

He looked genuinely worried. Sandy had a reputation-when she got tough, nobody was safe, not even Dad or the people she loved.

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you," Sandy muttered, already losing patience.

Sean headed upstairs, casting a last glance back. Ashley was curled up on the couch, sniffling like her heart had just been broken.

Sandy couldn't help rolling her eyes. "Mom, crying like this isn't going to bring Dad back. Seriously, there are plenty of men out there. If this doesn't work out, the next one's probably better."

Ashley looked up, tears running down her face. "That's easy for you to say. I've spent decades with your father. How do I just throw that away?"

a guy in his fifties? Honestly, if you wanted, you could find yourself a young,

telling you the truth. Sitting here crying about Dad isn't helping anyone. You had all the cards, and now you're just throwing them away. And honestly, going to Salma or Anastasia for help?

anger. "You little brat. You're lecturing me now? I only went to them

would ever donate her bone marrow to me? You're just making life harder for yourself. If I were you, I'd get a divorce and actually enjoy the rest of my

and reached out to touch her forehead. "Sandy, are you feeling okay? Why are you talking

pulled her hand away. "Herman? He's nothing. If he wasn't useful, I wouldn't have bothered with

even she got the meaning. "You...

"Glad to see you're finally connecting

wide with anger and disbelief. She slapped Sandy, hard. "Sandy! Are you insane? That was you

room. Sandy's cheek turned red and

Hearing the commotion, he rushed down. “Mom,

hysterical. "She's lost her mind, Sean! She just admitted to hurting your dad! She's not my daughter

please, you need to calm down," Sean tried

You knew about this?" Ashley stared at her two kids, shocked. "Did you two do this together? For the

didn't stretch far, but that

Mom Here's some advice: women who give everything for men never