The Bound Between Us

Chapter 22

She’d been busting her chops over Herman’s marriage, practically hunting for a perfect spouse for him.

Herman went and tied the knot without telling the family. If it wasn’t for Flynn spilling the beans, Katelyn would still be in the dark

Katelyn craned her neck, itching to see what her daughter–in–law looked like Herman quickly grabbed Katelyn’s arm, stopping her from going in, and whispered, “Mom, why didn’t you give me a heads up?”

He now regretted involving Flynn in finding a house because the guy had a mouth like a sieve.

Katelyn shot Herman a look and said. “You got hitched without telling us. I’m here to see my daughter–in–law, not you”

Herman, Don’t frighten her…”

“I know, I’m not some sort of ogre. You look like a cat on a hot tin roof. It’s hilarious,” Katelyn chuckled, growing more excited to see why her usually cool–as–a–cucumber son was all rattled up.

Inside, Anastasia, who was having breakfast, could hear Herman gabbing away outside the door but couldn’t make out what he was saying or to whom.

Anastasia curiously walked over. “Herman”

The sight of Herman in conversation with a stylishly dressed matron puzzled her even more.

On seeing Anastasia, Katelyn’s eyes lit up. “She’s a locker, like a delicate young lady,” she gushed.

From the get–go, Katelyn was smitten with Anastasia. She was over the moon with her new daughter–in–law.

Anastasia looked at Herman in confusion.

Herman said, “Anastasia, this is my

She found out from her younger son Flynn that her elder son had lied about his parents being dead

his mother a faint smile and said, “Anastasia, you can call her ‘Aunt Aunt, this is my

she thought, “Another distant relative?”

distant relative, Anastasia warmly said, “Aunt,

all these relatives of Herman’s. Last time, he mentioned a distant brother, now there was

a fast one on her, so she had come to see for

glass of juice. “Aunt, here’s some orange juice for you”

washed some fruits for Katelyn. “Aunt, would you like some fruit?

ear to ear. “Ana, don’t fuss, take a load off. Let Herman do the work, you can’t spoil him. I’m

“I didn’t bring anything else with

Even though she couldn’t afford expensive

too extravagant, I can’t

all I have many like this at home.” Katelyn insisted on slipping the bracelet onto Anastasia’s wrist, and said, “See,

Herman said, “Just take it,

accept it, but this was too

be this clueless.

I really can’t accept

this bracelet back”

with Anastasia’s refusal to accept the gift, which was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. It proved that

and said, “Alright, I’ll keep the bracelet for you for now,

distant relative instead of someone closer She didn’t know the ropes and was too shy

reluctant to leave As she got into the car, she repeatedly told Herman not to mistreat her daughter–in–law and to bring her

only said, “No

“Son, you can’t let past

his brow furrowed “Mom, you should