The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1058

Layna picked a flower from the backyard, but the second she overheard the housekeepers gossiping about her, she snapped the stem in anger. The delicate petals, so fresh and lovely a moment ago, were now scattered at her feet—plucked off one by one in her frustration.

Even the housekeepers are talking about me now, she thought bitterly. Once Aunt has her baby, I’ll have even less of a place in this family.

With a huff, Layna stormed upstairs.

…

Southridge Estates.

Herman got home late after another endless business dinner. Anastasia was still up, curled in bed with a book.

She’d spent the day recording a video about traditional bamboo weaving. There was so much to learn—she realized she couldn’t share a craft with others until she truly understood it herself. So, she’d bought some bamboo and tried weaving on her own, hoping to blend her jewelry design skills with a touch of heritage artistry.

“Still up?” Herman walked in, gently taking the book from her hands. “Honey, look at the time. It’s already one in the morning. You need some sleep.”

“Oh wow, is it that late?” Anastasia blinked, sheepish. “I got caught up in reading and lost track of time.”

“You…” He noticed the bandage on her hand and immediately frowned with concern. “Did you hurt yourself? What happened?”

“It’s nothing, just a little scratch,” she explained. “I was trying to weave a bamboo lantern, and I got a bit careless. Pattie loved it, though—she helped me make this little lantern. Here, look.” Anastasia’s eyes sparkled as she proudly showed him her handiwork. “Don’t let its size fool you—making it was a real challenge! Picking out the right bamboo is a whole art on its own. Oh, and I have more good news: I’ve been chosen as a Cultural Heritage Ambassador!”

Herman, tired as he was, listened patiently as Anastasia shared her excitement.

Her joy was infectious—it lit up her whole face. As long as she was happy, that was all he needed.

“Babe, there’s something else,” Anastasia went on. “Do you know why Juliana was in the hospital? She’s pregnant—she and Scott are going to have a baby! I’m so happy for her, but I’m also a little worried. You know what Layna’s like. I talked to Juliana today and told her I hope everything goes smoothly.”

“Scott called me earlier,” Herman replied, smiling. “He wanted me to thank you for him and Juliana, and they want to take us out to dinner to show their appreciation. Juliana’s carrying the Stranz family’s first grandson, so everyone’s making a big deal of it. Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong. You really should worry less about everyone else—and a little more about your husband.”

“Oh? And what should I worry about?”

Before she could finish, Herman took her hand and placed it on his chest. “Your husband’s happiness, of course.”

Layna’s resentment only grew, deeper and darker with every passing day.

Soon enough, winter break arrived.

Juliana was over four months along, her belly just starting to show. Every time she caught a glimpse of her bump, she couldn’t help but smile.

Scott was spending less time at work and more time at home, smothering Juliana with attention and making her feel a happiness she’d never known before.

With school out, Layna wanted to visit Justin in the harbor city, just as Juliana had promised.

Juliana hesitated. “Oh, the harbor… Layna, I’m afraid I can’t take you this time. I get seasick these days, and the morning sickness is no joke.”

She gave Layna a gentle, apologetic smile. “Let’s wait until I’m feeling better, okay? Then I’ll take you, I promise.”