"Bullshit, when did Tavon and I ever get a divorce?" Ashley bellowed. "He's still my husband, Salma. You really have no shame. You tried to lure my husband while our daughter was in surgery."
Had it not been for Sandy's operation, Ashley would have been in Riverdale making a scene already.
The Ashley of now feared nothing. Her son had donated his marrow to their daughter, sacrificing his health in the process. Now, it seemed she was about to lose her husband too. She would not accept this without a fight.
Ashley's words shook Salma to her core. Tavon had lied to her. The divorce papers were fake.
"I didn't seduce your husband," Salma declared unabashedly. "If you're so sure, then take him away from Riverdale. I'd like some peace and quiet. Do you think I care for him? He's the one who won't leave me alone." Salma had long given up on Tavon.
"You're talking nonsense, Salma. You're nothing but a homewrecker..." Ashley's loud complaints drew the attention of the entire neighborhood.
Seeing the crowd gathering and the menacing Ashley, Pattie stood in front of Salma in defense. "Don't you dare insult my grandma! She's the best grandma ever."
"Pattie, go stand aside. Grandma can handle her," Salma reassured, pulling Pattie away to avoid any negative influence from Ashley.
As Pattie was moved aside, Salma and Ashley's argument intensified. Neither was willing to back down, both adamant in their own stance.
The crowd of onlookers grew, and Pattie was pushed to the outskirts. Pattie watched the heated argument in the crowd, wishing she could cheer for her grandma. Turning her head, she spotted Leo in the distance.
Pattie was aware of her brother's disappearance. Her sister had gone missing, and Mom was frantic. If her brother was missing, Leo must’ve been worried, too. In Pattie's mind, Leo was still family.
Running over to Leo, Pattie called out, "Leo-Daddy." In the absence of Herman, Pattie would still instinctively call Leo, Daddy. Only now, she added a prefix.
Leo had returned home to grab some stuff. Hearing Pattie's voice, hearing that "Leo-Daddy," his eyes almost welled up with tears.
Just then, Penny's voice rang out, "Leo, why did you rush off? I told you to grab some things..."
Upon hearing Penny's voice, Leo couldn't bring himself to be harsh. He urged Pattie, "Go, now."
But it was too late. Penny had walked over and seen Pattie.
Seeing Pattie, Penny's eyes lit up. In her mind, Pattie represented the hope of finding her lost son. She had failed to abduct him the night before, but now the little tyke had presented herself. Wasn't this an opportunity?
"Pattie, stay right there," Penny commanded as she briskly walked over.
Penny had bullied Pattie for so long, so she instinctively froze upon hearing her voice. Pattie watched Penny with fear in her eyes, the lively spirit she had when facing Leo was gone. All that was left was fear.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)
Author pls Pls don't separate Ana and Herman once again because of Sandy. There must be an ending to Ana's sufferings!...
Yes yes yes!!! Thank you!!!...
How comes the twists are becoming uninteresting and unrealistic? Readers will prefer cleaner straight happy endings. Please don't go far beyond otherwise readers will lose interest. Time to end the story like we want it to be....
Please give us a happy ending for Anastasia and Herman with Pattie recognized as Herman's daughter, thank you!!!...
Pls update. This novel is really good....