The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Jason gave Hank a subtle nod, signaling him to stay put and not to make a big deal out of it. Hank stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

Alisa approached, clearly nervous, clutching her hands tightly. She needed to ask Jason for a loan but felt embarrassed with Hank around. "Jason, I need to talk to you about something. Can we sit down somewhere else to chat?" she asked, hesitantly.

Jason, maintaining a business-like demeanor, replied, "Alisa, if you have something to say, just say it here. If there's nothing else, Hank and I are heading out for dinner."

Alisa hesitated, struggling to find the courage to speak up. Without further ado, Jason turned to leave.

Panicked, Alisa quickly stepped forward. "Jason, the debt collectors have found their way to my parents' house again. I don't know what to do..."

Alisa's face turned crimson with embarrassment and shame. Jason understood immediately-she was there to ask for money. He mentally calculated that Alisa owed at least a hundred thousand dollars, and he had no intention of being the sucker who paid it off.

Alisa hoped Jason would give her something, anything to help. But Jason simply said, "No money."

Alisa's face burned with humiliation. It was hard enough to ask for a loan, let alone with someone else present. Along with her embarrassment, a seed of resentment took root in her heart. People are funny that way—when things go their way, they're all smiles, but when their needs aren't met, they harbor resentment.

"Jason..." Alisa began to plead.

Jason interrupted, "The loans you took out come from shady places, with high interest rates that aren't even legal. You should focus on dealing with those collectors from that angle. But the principal amount you borrowed, you have to pay back, or it'll affect your credit score, and that will impact Isla's future too. You need to think it over."

Jason was offering advice, suggesting ways Alisa might handle her predicament and pay off her debts independently, but he was clear about not giving her any money.noveldrama

"Jason, it's no use. They're harassing us every day, scaring my parents, and Isla's been in tears several times. I'm out of options," Alisa pleaded through her tears. "Can you lend me fifty thousand? I'll pay you back, I promise, I'll even sign a promissory note. If I don't, they'll take our house. My parents are old, where will they live? How can Will rest in peace seeing his parents suffer like this?"

Given Alisa's income, she couldn't repay fifty thousand. And knowing her character, she wouldn't. Even now, Alisa was trying to manipulate Jason with guilt and past favors.

Jason frowned deeply, "As an adult, you have to face the consequences of your actions. When you took out those loans, you should have thought about this. You can sell those luxury items you bought; pay back what you can. I've spent all my money on the Brown family over the years, and I don't have any savings left."

Desperate, Alisa asked, "Can you help me get a loan then..."

The moment those words left her mouth, Jason's expression changed. He let out a bitter laugh, said nothing, and left with Hank. The audacity of asking him to help secure a loan was too much.

Jason decided to wash his hands of Alisa's financial mess. As Hank drove away, he asked, "What happened with Alisa, owing so much?"

"Don't want to get involved," Jason replied, brushing off the question.

Hank expressed concern, "That's a lot of debt. I'm worried Alisa might do something drastic."

When someone's broke, desperation can be deadly. Jason responded, "Let her learn her lesson first. She has Isla; she won't do anything rash."

He wouldn't pay off her debt, but as a cop, he felt responsible for ensuring the safety of Alisa and her family.

The car rolled towards the bustling Blossom Lane Night Market. Jason and Hank chose a seafood joint, and Jason, feeling weighed down by the day, ordered a drink.

Hank poured them both a glass, glancing around at the lively Night Market. "It's pretty lively tonight. Lots of college kids around, all paired up."

Jason wasn't in the mood to people-watch. He gave a cursory glance and, in that moment, noticed a familiar figure in the crowd.