The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1082

Layna’s sudden arrival put a damper on Andrew’s good mood in a heartbeat.

What was supposed to be a chill hangout for three had just turned into four, and honestly, it felt a little cramped now.

Layna looked a bit sheepish as she spoke up. “Justin brought me. Cousin, are you feeling better?”

“It’s been months—I’m fine. If I wasn’t, would I be standing here? You’re clueless, can’t even hold a conversation, just good at whining and tattling,” Andrew shot back, as blunt as ever.

He never bothered to hide his dislike for Layna. There were plenty of reasons: mostly, she always seemed to stir up trouble for Paradise. Also, he just found her annoying. And that time she’d caught him writing a love letter—he was sure she told his mom, which had earned him a long lecture. Andrew had zero patience for girls who ratted people out.

Layna’s eyes went red, like she might cry any second.

Justin frowned. “Tattled? About what?”

“I didn’t!” Layna blurted, her voice shaking.

“Don’t cry. I’m not about to comfort you,” Andrew said, waving her off. “Girls are nothing but trouble.”

He quickly caught himself and turned to Paradise with a big grin. “Not you, though. I mean the other girls. They’re just too dramatic, so delicate, always blowing up over nothing.”

“Andrew.” Justin gave him a warning look, reminding him Layna was still a guest.

Justin moved over to Paradise. “Sorry for the wait. Are you hungry? Want to start eating?”

Paradise nodded softly—she was starting to feel hungry.

She didn’t say anything about Layna being there. As long as Layna kept to herself, Paradise could pretend she didn’t exist.

“Come on, let’s eat,” Andrew said, plopping himself down and ignoring Layna completely. If she wanted to sit, fine. If not, even better.

Layna wasn’t about to leave and let Paradise win by default. She steeled herself, sat down, and shot Paradise a glare.

Paradise held her gaze, cool and unbothered, her eyes sharp with warning. She was telling Layna, loud and clear: don’t try anything.

After a few rounds of these silent showdowns, Paradise didn’t even see Layna as competition anymore. Anyone who had to cheat to win wasn’t worth her time.

“Justin, let’s have a drink,” Andrew suggested, rolling up his sleeves. “No parents around tonight! Let’s have some wine—just a little. Nobody has to know.”

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