The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Tavon had finally let it all go. The money he'd stashed away over the years was more than enough for him to get by.

When Morton Group landed in Sean and Sandy's hands, Tavon knew it was only a matter of time before the whole thing fell apart. Sandy had pushed her luck one too many times—now that Morton Group had crashed, Tavon figured she'd brought it on herself.

He hadn't called home, not even once. Truth was, Tavon had always been a selfish, cold-hearted guy. He didn't miss his old house in Willowbrook at all. As he stepped out of the study, he ran into Salma coming in from outside. "Salma," he said, flashing a sheepish grin. "Out early. Where'd you go?" "That's none of your business," Salma snapped, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "How long are you planning to stick around here, anyway?"

She just couldn't figure out why Tavon wouldn't go back to Willowbrook.

“I'm settling down here,” Tavon said. “Bought myself an apartment—right across the street from your place in Riverdale. Figured when we're old and can barely walk, at least we can keep an eye on each other."

Salma stared at him, caught completely off guard. "Tavon, what's that supposed to mean?"

He let out a sigh and gave a half-smile. "Just feels like the old days were pointless. I want to try something new."

With that, Tavon walked away, leaving Salma standing there, puzzled.

Not that she cared enough to chase after him. She went to look for Anastasia instead.

Anastasia headed to the lab to find James.

James was busy with some research when she showed up, and he looked up, surprised. "Hey, Anastasia. Something up?"

She hesitated. "I just wanted to thank you. Herman told me if it hadn't been for you that night, I don't think I could've gotten through it. I should've come by sooner to say this. Sorry."

James paused, pulled off his gloves, and cleaned his hands with a splash of sanitizer. "Is there something else?"

Anastasia was being unusually polite today—a little too polite.

She fidgeted. "No, that's all."

She'd been feeling off, wanted James to check if she had some kind of illness, but the words just wouldn't come out.

"Alright, I'll let you get back to your work," she said quickly, making for the door.

She was a bundle of nerves—part of her hoped James would notice, the other part dreaded it.

She wanted James to tell Herman she was sick, so he'd finally let go. James was Herman's friend, and she figured he'd convince him to move on.

She'd played it all out in her head, but when it came time to say it, she just couldn't.

"Anastasia," James called after her. "Herman had a vasectomy."

Anastasia already knew-but she'd never let on, always pretending not to know.

"Oh," she replied, her voice even.

But what James said next caught her off guard.

"He did it for you," James said quietly. "After you miscarried, then the accident, and then the twins...

your back took a hit. Your health et

wasn't good. I mentioned it to Kim, and next thing I knew, he'd gone and done it. No drama, just did it."

James paused, then added, "He still hadn't gotten all his memories back then. Think about it,

Anastasia-falling for you all ovenet"

again even without remembering anything. That kind of love is rare. Don't you think it's worth a shot? As your friend, I just want to see you two happy."

"...Thank you," Anastasia whispered. Her eyes went red as she tried not to cry, but her raspy voice gave her away.

Truth was, she never wanted to let Herman go. And she knew he'd never let her go, either.noveldrama

Honestly, last night, watching Herman dance in that silly orange costume, her resolve had already begun to melt.

You don't find a Herman every lifetime. How could she walk away?

Anastasia left the lab, got in her car, and drove off. She didn't say a word to Herman, just quietly made her way to the hospital for a check-up.

Halfway there, her stomach started acting up, so she pulled over and waited it out.

When the pain eased a bit, she spotted a little coffee shop nearby. She got out, grabbed a hot coffee, hoping it'd help settle things.

Just as she was about to get back in her car, she saw Caterina step out of a cab, holding Daria. They hurried into the Starbucks next doordooking anxious.

Anastasia thought Caterina might need help and was about to call out—but then she saw Autumn walking over, smiling as she took Daria from Caterina.

On instinct, Anastasia ducked down behind her car, not wanting to be seen.

Why would Caterina be bringing Daria to see Autumn? There's no way that was just a coincidence.