The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1116

Accident.

Another accident.

Anastasia knew Tavon had died in a freak fall. It all happened so fast—too fast to wrap her head around, and deep down, it planted a seed of doubt.

After all, he was her father. Of course she had to go to Willowbrook.

She broke the news to Salma while Salma was playing with little Emmie. Emmie, sweet as sugar, giggled when Salma asked, “Do you love Grandma?”

With bright eyes and a voice clear as a bell, Emmie answered, “I love you.”

Salma grinned, teasing, “Where is your love?”

Emmie smiled even wider, pressed her tiny hand to her chest, and said, “Love is in my heart.”

Salma couldn’t help but burst out laughing, the house echoing with her joy.

Watching them, Anastasia’s heart ached. She almost couldn’t bring herself to say it—to shatter that happy moment with such heavy news.

But he was gone. She couldn’t let him leave this world without a proper goodbye.

“Mom,” Anastasia said, the words catching in her throat, “let’s pack up. We need to go to Willowbrook. I’ve already bought the tickets.”

Salma, still basking in the fun with her granddaughter, barely looked up. “Why Willowbrook? Your dad’s not there. Isn’t he at Nabb Mount? You want me to go to Willowbrook for work or something?”

“Mom… Dad’s gone.” Anastasia’s voice wavered, and her eyes reddened instantly.

Salma’s smile faltered, her whole body going still. “Ana, what did you say? Gone? What do you mean?”

“Mom, Dad’s gone.” Anastasia fought to keep her tears at bay. “There was an accident at Nabb Mount. He didn’t make it.”

The color drained from Salma’s face. It hit her like a bolt from the blue.

Herman went with them to Willowbrook. By the time they arrived, it was afternoon.

Herman had already found out where Tavon was buried.

It wasn’t until they stood in front of Tavon’s gravestone that Salma really believed it. He was gone.

No warning. No sign. Just gone.

Salma went white as a sheet, all her strength draining away. Her knees shook; the world spun. If Anastasia hadn’t been holding her up, she would’ve collapsed.

Anastasia was just as stunned. Even on holidays, Tavon never missed Riverdale. The last time they spoke, he’d called just to remind her to be good to Salma.

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