The Bound Between Us

Chapter 6

Anastasia hadn’t really thought that far ahead. Worried that Monica might get the wrong idea, she clarified, ‘I made the decision, I didn’t want to mooch off anyone. We got hitched in a hurry, and whether we can go the distance is still up in the air, but that’s not the point”

As for the kids‘ education, that’s something that would need even more long–term thinking.

Monica looked a little lost for words. She stared at Anastasia for a while, clearly surprised by her current actions, given what she knew about her.

“Anastasia, are you still planning to go to the class reunion next Friday? I heard Cason will be there too. They’ve even booked Le Manoir Prestige. Cason’s doing pretty well for himself these days, even has his own law firm.”

Monica added, “I also heard he bought a mansion in Southridge Estates, that fancy neighborhood where houses cost a fortune. If you patch things up with Cason, you won’t have to work your fingers to the bone anymore.”

Monica had her doubts about blind dates and thought maybe she could play matchmaker for the two of them.

Anastasia got the hint and laughed, shaking her head, I’m skipping the reunion.”

She was a married woman now, and even though she and Herman weren’t exactly head over heels for each other, they were legally husband and wife, and she owed him loyalty.

Herman had been good to her, and she would do her best to make their life together work. She wasn’t going to stray.

How Cason was doing, whether he was rolling in dough or flat broke, was none of her business anymore.

Monica looked like she had more to say, but just then, Anastasia’s phone rang, and she tensed up at the caller ID.

It was Herman.

and Herman’s gentle voice came through, “Where are you?

with a friend.” Anastasia asked,

her to move

your location

at Monica, who whispered, “Is that your new hubby?”

then told Herman on the phone, Tm free now, I’ll text you

she said she was busy, Herman might think she was making excuses to

they had a romantic foundation, she needed to take this marriage seriously. Since she was the one who

off, I’m not going to work. He’s coming to get me soon.”

really a married woman now” Monica resigned herself to the reality and sighed, “Well, as your best friend, all I can do now is wish you the best. But if this guy ever messes with you, you have to let me

“He’s actually really gentle, you

a plain sedan, texting Anastasia. [I’m here, parked

the text and

his car and

to hide. Even the most ordinary clothes looked

was like a born

lightly patted Anastasia’s shoulder. “Ana, I finally get why you got hitched out of the blue. It’s all because of

Anastasia might’ve gotten a little

help but laugh. “When I decided to marry him, his good looks

them, Anastasia introduced him to Monica. “This is my good friend, Monica. We’ve known each other since high school. Monica, this is my husband, Herman. The word “husband” felt so strange to say, and Anastasia blushed, her