The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1156

Scott had started thinking about divorcing Juliana. There was no point dragging things out; their marriage had become an empty routine.

Now that Sandy was pregnant, Scott was determined to keep the baby, and the thought of marrying her had already taken root in his mind.

Sandy played the part of the sweet, understanding girlfriend. “Okay, you go ahead. I’ll have Irene come with me,” she replied, all smiles.

Everything was unfolding just as Sandy had planned. With a baby on the way, she was sure it was only a matter of time before she had Scott right where she wanted him.

The news of Sandy’s pregnancy quickly reached Mrs. Goad, who showed up at Sandy’s place, beaming and carrying gifts.

Mrs. Goad had always known about Scott and Sandy, and she’d quietly approved. She’d been hoping for exactly this—for Sandy’s belly to start showing signs of new life.

Now, at last, she had what she wanted.

Mrs. Goad fussed over Sandy, saying, “From now on, you don’t have to do a thing. I’m moving in today. I’ll take care of you myself.”

Sandy pretended to be overwhelmed. “Auntie, I really can’t let you do all that for me. I don’t deserve it.”

“You’re carrying my grandchild, of course you deserve it!” Mrs. Goad’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. “Sandy, give me a big, healthy grandson, okay? Don’t be like Juliana—what a disappointment she turned out to be.”

Sandy, ever the good girl, replied sweetly, “Auntie, I promise I’ll give you a big, healthy grandson.”

Mrs. Goad was thrilled, her face practically glowing with happiness.

Meanwhile—

Scott’s sudden return home caught Juliana off guard. He hadn’t been home in ages.

It was summer break, so Layna was there too. When she saw Scott, she greeted him shyly, “Uncle.”

Layna was always on her best behavior around Scott.

“Mhm.” Scott’s voice was flat. “Go on, Layna. I need to talk to your aunt.”

Juliana’s composure was unraveling fast, her voice growing sharp and desperate. Her husband was barely ever home, and now he was back just to ask for a divorce. How was she supposed to cope?

“Juliana, calm down.” Scott’s voice was heavy with guilt. “This is my fault. You want half the assets, right? I’ll have our lawyer draw up the papers this afternoon.”

Juliana was floored. He was really willing to split everything fifty-fifty?

In families like theirs, dividing assets was a nightmare—most men would rather drag out a marriage forever than give up half their fortune.

It was the biggest concession she’d ever made. For someone as proud as Juliana, backing down like this was unimaginable. But she couldn’t let go of her marriage, or of Scott.