The Bound Between Us

Chapter 20

Anastasia’s heart raced as she quickly turned to look at Herman, trying to gauge his reaction

1 didn’t mean to hide anything from you,” she explained anxiously. “I didn’t come to the reunion because of my ex Don’t get the wrong idea” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

When they first met, Anastasia had mentioned a previous relationship. Judging by Cason’s reaction, Herman had quickly picked up on their history. Even if Anastasia didn’t have any lingering feelings, it seemed clear that Cason did.

At a stoplight, Herman parked the car steadily looking over at her Anastasia, don’t worry. I trust you”

Her eyes widened in surprise at his words. Any other man would have been a tad upset, even if they didn’t show it.

Herman was calm, though He wasn’t angry or jealous. But when she remembered they were a newly married couple in name only, without an emotional foundation, it made sense.

Unaware of her thoughts, Herman wasn’t angry or jealous because Cason wasn’t a threat.

Even though Herman wasn’t bothered, Anastasia still felt the need to explain, “We dated for half a year in high school, then both of us got into Riverdale College. His family sent him abroad, so we lost contact. We weren’t very serious.”

The light turned green, and Herman started the car “You were a student at Riverdale College. Why did you choose to sell stuff at a night market?” “Huh?” Anastasia was surprised. The thing Herman was curious about was pretty strange. He wasn’t interested in her past with Cason?

After gathering her thoughts, she answered. “My family had some issues, su I dropped out after my first year. I didn’t graduate.”

Seeing her discomfort, Herman didn’t press further

Anastasia expected him to continue asking, but his silence made her uneasy When they got back to Harmony Meadows, she couldn’t help but say, “I was a design major. I loved jewelry design. But a controversy happened and caused a big fuss. I was heartbroken and couldn’t handle the pressure, so I dropped out.”

Salma and Monica had actually told her all of this. Her memories of that year at Riverdale College were hazy

There were random fragments in her memory. She seemed to have gone through so much but had also forgotten a lot. She had suffered from severe depression and gradually recovered after long–term treatment

Her memory of the controversy was also blurry. Monica said she was misunderstood. The truth wasn’t clear to Anastasia

After her depression healed, she didn’t dwell on the past. She started selling things at the market, making her own living. The past didn’t matter anymore. What mattered was taking the right steps in the present.

Herman didn’t ask any more questions because he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. She had gotten into Riverdale College but dropped out. There was surely a story there. He didn’t expect Anastasia to explain voluntarily. He looked at her, his eyes filled with unspeakable tenderness. “Do you regret

it?”

If Anastasia had graduated from Riverdale College, her life would definitely have been better now.

Anastasia shook her head I chose this path. I don’t regret anything. I believe there’s more than one way to success.”

Herman nodded approvingly. “I believe you can do it.”

Her eyes were determined, just like the first time he met her when she asked him if he was willing to marry her.

“Didn’t you drink tonight?” Anastasia noticed for the first time that Herman didn’t smell like alcohol.

Normally, he would come home drunk, and they rarely had normal conversations.

“I didn’t have any social obligations tonight, so I thought I’d come home early and help you sell stuff at the Night Market.”

Herman didn’t actually have any social obligations, he just had Flynn go in his place. Flynn was still at the bar, drinking heavily

“Oh. Anastasia asked, “Have you eaten? If not, I can make something”

I’ve eaten.” Herman smiled, noticing her low spirits, he said, “I’ll go work in the study for a bit. You should rest.

She needed some space right now

“Okay”

Anastasia did want to be alone for a bit. The reunion had definitely affected her mood.

*

After Herman went to the study, she went to her room to wash up, change into her pajamas, and get ready for bed. Then, her WhatsApp chimed with a

message

When Anastasia saw it, her feelings became complicated. It was Cason. He had added her contact, and messaged. [Let’s start over]

Anastasia felt both odd and angry

Cason knew she was married, yet he had sent such a message in the middle of the night. What was he up to?

Anastasia deleted the message without responding to his message, then put her phone on silent and went to sleep

In the middle of the night, Anastasia woke up thirsty She got up groggily and went to get a drink but bumped into Herman in the dark.

“Ah!” Startled, she yelled and lost her balance She instinctively grabbed onto Herman and they both fell onto the couch

Herman’s lips just happened to land on Anastasia’s. The softness of their lips left them both stunned, like a bolt of electricity zapping through their bodies.

In the dim setting, with their intimate pose, a few fragmented memories suddenly flashed through Anastasia’s mind. These were parts of her forgotten

memories, and just as she tried to piece them together, her mind drew a blank again.

Meanwhile, Herman’s mind was filled with some not–so–kid–friendly scenes