The Bound Between Us

Anastasia had figured Herman would just swing by the store and grab a couple pounds of cherries. She never expected him to come home with a bouquet made entirely of cherries-each one glossy and deep red, arranged with a care that made her smile the second she saw it.

It was her first time receiving a cherry bouquet, and honestly, it beat flowers by a mile. Flowers were pretty, sure, but they couldn't double as dessert.

She ran her fingers over the cherries, savoring the sweet, fresh scent, then turned to head upstairs to find Herman. Just then, Pattie barreled in from outside, looking like she'd been through a tornado-dirt on her shoes, hair a mess, cheeks

flushed.

Anastasia took one look and didn't even have to ask. "Another fight?" she said, half-amused.

Pattie just grinned, dressed in a pink tracksuit and brimming with energy. She mimed a few jabs in the air, her expression more than a little cocky.

Ever since she'd started training with Dailey, Pattie's arms and legs had gotten stronger, and she carried herself with a confidence that made Anastasia relax a little. It was clear Pattie was no longer someone to be pushed around.

Layna, Pattie's usual sparring partner, was tough too. Even when she ended up on the losing side, she never called in the cavalry. The Stranz family, in general, kept their distance from the Salstroms. As long as the Salstroms didn't pick a fight, that was good enough.

Except Layna's aunt, Juliana—she was a different story.

At the Stranz family home, Juliana nearly had a meltdown when Layna limped through the door, bruised and sulking.

"Oh, Layna, was it that mute girl again?" she fretted, fussing over her niece.

Layna winced but wasn't about to back down. "Aunt Juliana, just wait. One day, I'll have Paradise eating out of my hand. You'll see."

ambition! You're learning piano, German, French, English-you're going to be the Wisman family's daughter-in-law

that studying gives me a headache. Just looking at a textbook makes me want to nap. Why bother? I'm a Stranz. I'll never want for money. Let those bookworms ace their tests-they'll be

satisfied smile. "You're so clever. Only people without options think studying is the only way out. You're the pride

Juliana's arms. "You're the best, Aunt Juliana. You're just like a real

melted. "Why not

her chance and chirped, "Okay, Mom!" hugging

the moon. "See? With Mom by your

Layna knew exactly how to get on her good side. Maybe that's why, in the years that followed, Juliana would spoil Layna rotten-covering up for her, letting her get away with everything from cheating on tests

had money and the right last name, she'd end up marrying Justin and living

Back at the Salstroms':

came home from her "adventure," scrubbed up, and dove straight into

her absorb bits and pieces about the business. Both he and Anastasia spoke several languages, and when the tutor

couldn't speak, but she was a great listener. She could understand simple conversations in two languages, even if she didn't

computer, and Pattie

Anastasia teased. "Pattie, since you're being such a star student,

lit up as she took a bite. Delicious.

Anastasia caught on right away. She

mischievously as he brushed his teeth

Anastasia turned pink, quickly

Pattie noticed