The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Monica's words sent a chill down Anastasia's spine.

A woman's concern for a man meant something significant, and as a woman herself, Anastasia couldn't ignore the implications. Still, it felt surreal to her.

Shaking her head, Anastasia said, "Maybe she's just worried that if anything actually happened to Herman, the Salstroms would come after me."

Monica pondered for a moment, then said, "Could be. She and Joey aren't divorced yet, right? She's in her thirties, on her second marriage. There might be plenty of guys interested, but finding someone who truly wants to put a ring on it? That's a rare breed. And Herman was your man-well, ex-husband now. You don't graze in your own backyard. That's what puzzles me."

"Mhm," Anastasia agreed, giving Gianna an excuse, though her mind was still plagued with doubts.

She had pondered this before, recalling when Gianna had jokingly suggested she let Herman go. Anastasia had suspected that Gianna might have had other feelings for him. But seeing no particular interactions between Gianna and Herman, and their behavior remaining strictly platonic, she had brushed the thoughts aside.

Returning to the rental, the cozy two-bedroom place she shared with Salma, Pattie, and Monica, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. Exhausted from the day's events, Monica hit the sack as soon as they arrived and was out like a light. Anastasia, however, tossed and turned, insomnia gripping her as thoughts of Herman consumed her. It was nearly dawn when she finally dozed off.

The next morning.

Anastasia was awakened by voices in the living room.

It was Tavon and Salma discussing the fallout from her clean break with Herman and how it had stirred up a hornet's nest. Without the Salstroms' support, Tavon was feeling the pinch as investors began to bail, causing a stir for Morton Group. "Did Ana really not take anything? Is it truly over?" Tavon quizzed Salma.

"With things the way they are, how could they possibly go on? The divorce is for the best. Now she's cut ties with the Salstroms, and as long as Ana's doing well, I couldn't care less about the rest," Salma replied with a dismissive wave.

Tavon sighed, anxiety clear in his voice, "These new projects I've launched are tanking. Investors are pulling out at the news of Ana's divorce. You may not care, but I'm in deep trouble."

Salma was unmoved, "That's your problem. Ana and I are on our own now, without a big shot like the Salstroms to lean on. Don't bother trying to win us over. Head back to Willowbrook. I just want a quiet life for Ana and me."noveldrama

"What are you saying? Ana's my daughter too. Her marriage to Herman was advantageous for me, sure, but my concern for her isn't solely based on that."

Tavon spoke with evident worry, "This whole ordeal with Ana has left me sleepless. I heard Herman's awake now, which closes this chapter. What matters is Ana's well-being. I've been thinking you should come with me to Willowbrook. A change of scenery might do her good." Tavon's offer touched Salma, despite the circumstances.

Of course, Tavon's reluctance to let go of Anastasia stemmed from seeing Herman's genuine affection for her. With that kind of love, there was always a chance for a comeback. Anastasia was still young. Who knew if in a few years, once this scandal had faded into memory, Herman might reconcile with her?

Even if there was no reunion, as long as Herman held a torch for Anastasia, it was an ace up Tavon's sleeve.

Having already burned bridges with Ashley Stanton's family, Tavon was determined to hold on tight to what he had left.

When Anastasia emerged from her room, hearing of Herman's awakening, her emotions surged. "Is Herman really awake?"

"Ana, you're up," Tavon stood, confirming, "I've heard that Herman came to this morning."

"He's finally awake. He's awake," Anastasia murmured, tears of relief and joy mingling. "Now I have no more worries."

Tavon continued, "Ana, I was just talking to your mom. Why don't you come back to Willowbrook with me? You're the heir to Morton Group, and I've been waiting for you to return."