The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The debt collectors finally left, leaving the house in an unsettling quiet. Jason knocked on the door. "Come on out, Alisa."

Inside, Alisa struggled with her shame before stepping out. Malia was wiping her tears, sitting on the couch, while Daniel looked furious. As soon as Alisa emerged, he exploded, "Alisa, what have you done? How did you end up owing so much money? Look at the mess they made of the house! They even threatened to take our home. How could you mortgage it? Do you want us out on the street?"

Malia joined in, her voice sharp with disappointment. "Alisa, you always seemed so sensible, living frugally. But you've betrayed us with this. Was this house the only thing you cared about? Where did all the money go? Did you send it to your family?"

Ignoring their granddaughter, the two elderly parents laid into Alisa, demanding to know where the money had vanished to. Alisa, her face burning with embarrassment, could only cry in response.

Jason watched the scene unfold, feeling a wave of frustration. He had just found out from Isla that she had gone out for fun, but this whole mess was news to him. He had no idea Alisa had taken out such massive loans.

Though he hadn't been involved with the Brown family's affairs, this revelation painted Alisa in a new light for Jason. The woman crying before him seemed a far cry from the kind and sensible person he thought he knew. Hiding in her room while the elderly faced the collectors showed a streak of selfishness he hadn't noticed before.

Saying nothing, Jason turned to leave, but Alisa suddenly called out, "Jason, you can't just walk away. This mess is because of you. I took those loans because of you."

Jason paused, turning back to look at her.

Alisa's emotions burst forth, like a dam breaking. "You always said I wasn't pretty enough, not slim enough, that I was too plain. I spent money to change myself, to make you happy. I took those loans to prove I could be as good as Monica."

She shifted the blame for her vanity onto Jason.

Jason's eyes

es filled with

disappointment as he chuckled bitterly, "Anastasia, is there anything you wouldn't do? Or dare to do? Whatever happens with the Brown family from now on, it's none of my business. I've repaid whatever I owed you."

He remembered Anastasia's warning. If he didn't cut ties with the Brown family, he'd be forever trapped.

Realizing the finality of his words, Alisa panicked. "Jason, you can't do this. That night we..."

"Don't bring up that night," Jason interrupted sharply. "Nothing happened between us that night. We both know it. If you have any decency left, don't make me spell it out. I'd like to leave Will some dignity."

Having lost all faith in the Brown family, Jason resolved not to help them anymore. With those words, he walked out, leaving behind Daniel and Malia's continued scolding of Alisa.

Night had fallen over the Riverdale Night Market. Herman had been waiting there all day, now nursing his third cup of bubble tea. He'd been to the restroom multiple times but hadn't run into a single familiar face.

Sean had shown up, unable to dissuade Herman from his vigil. To prevent Herman from meeting Anastasia or bumping into someone they knew, Sean stayed glued to his side.

Wherever Herman went, Sean

followed. As Herman bought another tea and started movingnoveldrama

towards the street vendors, Seamet

trailed after him. Suddenly, Herman turned, grabbed Sean, and pinned him against a wall, his gaze icy. "Stop following me."

Sean's heart skipped. It was Herman, after all, and his presence alone was intimidating. Stunned, it took a moment for Sean to gather himself. "I'm just worried aboutyou, George. What are you looking for in Riverdale? My sister's waiting for you back in Willowbrook She's beautiful and kind, and the Morton family is wealthy. Why aren't you satisfied? What's wrong with

marrying my sister? How is she any

less than that Meng woman?"

Sean's words grew more fervent, defending Sandy, and in his rush, he slipped up,

only realizing it after he'd spoken.

Herman seized on the name, his grip tightening as he demanded, "The Meng woman? Who is she? What's she to me?"