The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1080

Monica had a way with words—she could cut you down to size without ever needing to cuss.

When Isla first started making a fuss, Monica actually felt sorry for her and handed over five grand. Pure kindness, nothing more.

But now? Isla showed up every day, stirring up drama, throwing shade, and making Monica out to be the bad guy. Who wouldn’t lose their cool?

Pretty soon, the whole neighborhood was buzzing. Everyone was whispering, wondering if Monica really had broken up someone else’s family.

In Isla’s version of the story, Alisa and Jason were the perfect couple, living the dream, and Monica was the third wheel wrecking their happiness.

Anastasia reached into the glove compartment, pulled out a bottle of water, and handed it over. “Take a drink. Don’t let her get to you.”

Monica twisted off the cap and took a big gulp.

Anastasia started the car and asked, “Does Jason know what’s going on?”

“I forgot to tell him,” Monica said, staring out the window. “I was so angry, it just slipped my mind.”

Anastasia shot her a look. “Monica, you can’t lie to save your life. Whenever you try, you can’t even look someone in the eye. You didn’t forget—you just don’t want Jason to have to deal with it, do you?”

Monica grumbled, “You know me too well.”

Anastasia grinned. “Of course I do. The Browns have been living off Jason for years, and you’re too soft-hearted to let them keep taking advantage. But don’t you see? That’s exactly why they keep pushing you—they know you won’t fight back.”

Monica stayed quiet.

Anastasia nudged her. “Come on, spill. Did something else happen between you and Jason? Are you two back together yet?”

Monica was silent for a long moment before she finally said, “Ana, Jason’s mom came to talk to me. We’ve been having issues. I don’t like his job as a cop, and he was thinking about quitting. His mom found out and came to chat.”

Monica pulled over and looked at her. “Didn’t you say his mom liked you? Always said you were smart, pretty, and capable—hard to find someone like you?”

“I’ve thought it over,” Monica admitted. “It’s not that Jason has to change jobs. My dad’s stuff has had me down for months, and I haven’t been dealing with things well with Jason. His mom got the wrong idea.”

She let out a shaky breath. “But in a weird way, it helped. I finally saw what she really thinks—her daughter-in-law is just for show. She can’t get in the way of her son’s future. Otherwise, she’s not good enough.”

Anastasia could see how much Monica had poured into this relationship, and how tired she was.

She squeezed Monica’s hand. “If you can’t hold onto the sand, maybe it’s time to let it go.”

She really didn’t want to see Monica dragged down or unhappy.

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