The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1154

There’s no such thing as a secret that can stay hidden forever.

Autumn heard the news of Devin’s death even sooner than Herman expected. The moment Devin went missing, she’d already sensed something was wrong—deep down, she knew the odds of him coming back were slim.

It was the evening news that confirmed her worst fears. Devin’s body had been pulled from a river on the edge of the city. Autumn caught a glimpse of the report, and that tattoo peeking out from under the white sheet was all she needed—she recognized it instantly.

Her hand flew to her mouth, shock and fear crashing over her, and silent tears streamed down her face. No matter what happened between them, Devin was her first love, the one she’d shared unforgettable nights with, the father of her son. How could she not feel anything when she found out he was gone?

Just then, her son’s cries floated up from downstairs. Shirley, the nanny, was pacing with the baby in her arms, looking frazzled. “Ma’am, I don’t know why, but Mason just won’t stop crying.”

The sound twisted Autumn’s heart even tighter. She reached out, gently taking Mason from Shirley’s arms. “Let me try. You’ve been working so hard lately, Shirley. Go take a break.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Shirley, clearly relieved, headed back downstairs.

Autumn held her son close, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Mason, do you already know your daddy’s gone? They say fathers and sons are connected—maybe you’re crying for him, too.”

Mason cried and cried until he wore himself out, and finally drifted off to sleep. Autumn laid him down carefully, her eyes red and puffy. She rummaged through her wardrobe, pulling out a small bottle of pills. Devin’s death had shaken her to her core, and now she felt the urgency to act. She had to set Mr. Walker up with Shirley as soon as possible—only then could she find a way out for herself.

She couldn’t let her son grow up thinking the man who killed his father was his new dad.

That night at dinner, Autumn invited Shirley to join her at the table, pouring her glass after glass of wine.

Mr. Walker was rarely home these days, always out late with business clients and friends.

Shirley tried to decline, but Autumn insisted, raising her glass. “Looking after Mason isn’t easy. Shirley, let me toast you.”

“Oh, ma’am, you’re too kind. It’s just my job, really.” Flustered, Shirley accepted the drinks, one after another.

Once Shirley was tipsy enough, Autumn poured her a glass of warm water. “Here, drink some water. It’ll make you feel better.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Shirley looked overwhelmed by Autumn’s kindness.

“Eat up, don’t be shy.” Autumn kept piling food onto Shirley’s plate, watching as she drank the water.

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