The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1018

Mr. Walker replayed the past few days in his mind. If Julie really was Autumn and Devin's daughter, then all of Autumn's strange behavior lately suddenly made

sense.

He just couldn't accept it. He clung to the hope that it was all some big misunderstanding.

He and Autumn had been married almost thirty years, sharing every high and low. When he'd first met her, he was a nobody-penniless, orphaned, his siblings barely able to keep themselves afloat. None of his relatives thought much of his future. Most figured he'd be a lifelong bachelor.

Then Autumn walked into his life.

It happened one winter. She was sweet and gentle, with a quiet beauty that didn't need dressing up. They'd been introduced by a family acquaintance. Back then, all he had was a rundown house with a leaky roof, but Autumn never complained. She married him anyway.

After the wedding, Mr. Walker threw himself into work. He served the community, built his career step by step. Eventually they had money for a new house, and even bought an apartment in the city.

When things finally settled, Autumn got pregnant. Mr. Walker remembered that as the happiest time in his life. Once he'd made something of himself, he tried to make it up to her-bought her the wedding jewelry and gifts they hadn't been able to afford at the start.

Even though they never ended up with children, their love stayed strong.

Now, he found himself sitting on the restroom steps, not sure how long he'd been lost in thought, when his assistant showed up. "Mr. Walker, are you alright? Did you drink too much?"

The assistant looked worried—probably thought something terrible had happened.

Mr. Walker waved him off. "I'm fine."

me take you back to the

Walker played along, pretending to be a little drunk, letting his assistant help

had to keep himself together no matter what. Every word and action had to be

and power felt more like wearing invisible handcuffs than

told his assistant, "Take the night off, Mark. Come by at nine tomorrow

you're okay?" Mark lingered,

Mr. Walker tried to sound convincing. Mark got the hint and

time. It

from Autumn. Not even a

call or text every time he was away, reminding him to drink less, todook after himself, always wanting to know if he'd

a long while before finally calling the house

The housekeeper answered.

Walker

to bed at nine. Said she

pregnant now, and older; maybe she really

asked, "When did Mr. Brown

I went out for groceries, and when I got back, he

breakfast. He really was making himself

in. No

"Yes, sir."

the

were first loves.