The Bound Between Us

Chapter 847

That afternoon, as they talked about taking the kids out, Anastasia brought up something that had been bugging her about Autumn.

"Babe," she said, "Mrs. Walker's been trying so hard to get on Mom's good side, right? So why is she so cold toward Emmie and Nancy, but seems to absolutely adore Daria? Doesn't that strike you as odd?"

It was obvious Katelyn wasn't a fan of Daria-her feelings showed on her face, and Autumn couldn't have missed that. Yet, Autumn acted like she really liked Daria. It all felt a bit backwards.

To make things weirder, Daria clearly wasn't keen on Autumn either. So why the sudden affection from Autumn?

Herman folded his arms, thoughtful. "People don't just like or dislike others for no reason. If it feels strange, it's just because we haven't figured out the reason yet. Once we find it, everything will make sense."

"So what's Mrs. Walker's reason for liking Daria?" Anastasia wondered aloud. "When she first met Daria, things were tense-Daria was pretty standoffish, even lashed out at her."

"Try to think back,” Herman suggested. "Was there a specific moment when Mrs. Walker's attitude shifted? Usually, there's a small clue."

Anastasia replayed the scene in her mind: Autumn had been asking about Daria, and Katelyn casually mentioned, "That's Joseph and Julie's kid." Right after that, Autumn's expression changed, even if just a little.

What was it about that comment that made Autumn react?

She felt like she was on the verge of figuring it out, but the answer kept slipping away.

Herman squeezed her hand. "Don't stress about it, it's not worth it. Let's focus on something fun. Should we catch a movie

after dinner, walk off the food and just enjoy the evening,” Anastasia agreed, letting go of her worries. If Autumn didn't like her kids, she'd just ask Katelyn not to bring them along next time. She barely

market it is," Herman said with a grin. "I still remember that place pretty

you actually remember. Not

"Deal."

dinner, the two strolled hand-in-hand down the lively street, the city lights twinkling around them. When they reached the front of TeaTimes, the local bubble tea spot, they both blurted out, "“Let's grab a milk

share. Anastasia had

as always? Taro milk tea, warm?" Herman

bought dinner, I'll treat us

let go of his hand and stepped up to the counter. "Two

nearby university, chatting and laughing

Anastasia and Herman laced their fingers together, sipping

busy street

passing by couldn't help but take a second look—maybe even thinking they

sweethearts.

have always whispered about her, but I think it's time to set the record straight-let everyone know who she truly

be treated like she didn't belong. If she was his daughter, everyone

softened. He was

is,