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.

Anastasia picked up, and Herman’s gentle voice came through, “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

“I’m out with a friend.” Anastasia asked, “What’s up?”

He wasn’t rushing her to move in, was he?

“I need to talk” Herman was cryptic. Text me your location when you’re done, and I’ll come get you.”

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

Anastasia nodded at Monica, then told Herman on the phone, Tm free now, I’ll text you the address.”

She hadn’t gone to pick up the supplies yet, and she was worried that if she said she was busy, Herman might think she was making excuses to avoid him. Now that they were married. Anastasia was ready to make it work with Herman.

Regardless of whether they had a romantic foundation, she needed to take this marriage seriously. Since she was the one who proposed the marriage, she also had to show her commitment.

After hanging up, Anastasia told Monica, “I’m taking the day off, I’m not going to work. He’s coming to get me soon.”

“Anastasia, you’re 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 know. Don’t let yourself suffer

Anastasia was touched. “He’s actually really gentle, you know” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Soon, Herman showed up in a plain sedan, texting Anastasia. [I’m here, parked by the curb.]

Anastasia saw the text and left the cafe.

Herman spotted Anastasia right away from his car and got out to greet her. “Anastasia”

Herman was dressed casually but his innate charm was impossible to hide. Even the most ordinary clothes looked like high fashion on him as if he was a model on a runway

He was like a born model.

Seeing Herman, Monica was instantly smitten, practically drooling. She lightly patted Anastasia’s shoulder. “Ana, I finally get why you got hitched out of the blue. It’s all because of this hunk!”

Facing such a hottie, Monica could understand why Anastasia might’ve gotten a little impulsive about getting married.

Anastasia knew Manica well and couldn’t help but laugh. “When I decided to marry him, his good looks definitely had a lot to do with it.”

By the time Herman reached 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 ears turning red

Herman glanced at Anastasia, noticing her shyness, then greeted Monica warmly. “Nice to meet you

Monica snapped back to reality and laughed. “Mr. Salstrom, nice to meet you. You’re really good– looking, Anastasia has great taste.”

As she spoke, Monica eyed Herman’s car, which was pretty average for Riverdale.

Anastasia knew Monica was just being polite. Monica always wanted her to marry rich and often told her she was smart and pretty enough to snag a good catch

Anastasia never saw it that way Rich guys weren’t dummies, looks faded, and savvy businessmen weren’t known for making bad deals. She just hoped for a simple life. As long as she was happy, she was content.

Monica was still quite taken with Herman’s looks, though. Men like him were hard to come by

Herman smiled and said, “Anastasia and I have something to take care of, so we should get going. We should all get dinner together sometime.”

He saw right through Monica’s thoughts, but as Anastasia’s good friend, he would naturally respect her.

“No need for formalities, you guys carry on, we can always catch a meal together some other time.”

Anastasia hopped into Herman’s ride, and they scooted off together. Only after they had sailed through a few traffic lights did Anastasia remember to ask, “Where are we headed?”

1 took the day off today, I’m gonna take you car shopping first and then show you around my place, Herman said with a playful smirk. “We’ve been hitched for a week now, you ought to know where your hubby hangs his hat, let me show you the ropes.”