The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1112

Being a mom and being a mother-in-law—those are two completely different things.

If Clarissa had a daughter, she’d never let her settle for someone who didn’t have his act together.

“Mrs. Monroe, I don’t think that’s fair,” Clarissa said, clearly annoyed. “My son is a detective—a hero, even! Do you know how rare it is for someone his age to rise so high?”

“That was then,” Mrs. Monroe replied. “I respect what your son’s done for the community, sure. But that’s all there is to it. I can’t let my daughter suffer.”

With that, Mrs. Monroe grabbed Monica’s arm, ready to leave.

Just then, Anastasia showed up at the hospital, running into the tense scene. She looked surprised. “What’s going on?”

“Ana,” Monica quickly slipped out of her mother’s grasp and joined Anastasia. She told her mom, “Ana’s taking me home. You go do what you need to do.”

Monica wasn’t in the mood to argue. She turned to Clarissa and said, “Could you look after Jason for a while?”

Without waiting for an answer, Monica pulled Anastasia away.

Anastasia was still clueless as they got in the car. Once Monica filled her in, she finally understood.

Anastasia said, “Honestly, you can’t blame your mom. Any mother would feel that way.”

“My mom is way too practical,” Monica grumbled. “And Jason’s mom is just as bad.”

Anastasia laughed. “At least you’re not fooling yourself.”

“I’m not stupid,” Monica sighed. “Now my mom is against it, Jason’s sulking, I have to protect Jason’s pride and talk sense into my mom. It’s exhausting.”

“Monica, as long as you’re sure about what you want, I’ll back you up—no matter what,” Anastasia said. She didn’t offer any more advice. As a friend, she just wanted to be there for Monica.

Monica sat quietly for a while, then said, “This is tough, but I finally know what I want. I used to be so selfish.”

“In love, there’s no right or wrong,” Anastasia told her. “Just be yourself. So, when’s Jason’s eye surgery?”

“Nine in the morning, day after tomorrow,” Monica replied, a little anxious. “It’s a fifty-fifty chance. But I’ve made up my mind—even if he’s blind forever, I’ll stick with him.”

Anastasia smiled. “Just remember, Monica—love and marriage aren’t charity. Don’t let pity decide things for you.”

She worried Monica was letting her heart run away with her. Life’s a long road, and she didn’t want Monica to regret her choice down the line.

Jason was worried about the same thing.

He’d overheard the whole conversation between Clarissa and Mrs. Monroe out in the hallway. He’d tried to step out of his room, only to catch every word.

Anastasia first took Monica home to clean up, then brought her back to the hospital before heading to her studio.

The holiday was over. It was time to get back to real life.

That day, Anastasia was heading out to the countryside to meet a woman famous for her traditional crafts—a living legend in her own right.

She brought along an assistant. Rain started to fall as their car wound down narrow country roads.

Herman called just then.

“I’m with Kim, heading out to visit an elderly craftswoman—a national treasure. I’ll probably be back late tonight.”

Herman’s voice was deep and gentle. “Send me your location. When I’m done with meetings, I’ll come get you. It’s raining, and I worry.”

“Okay.”

Anastasia sent him her location.

By the time they arrived, the rain was coming down harder. As Anastasia got out of the car, she noticed a white sedan parked on a nearby country lane.