The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 498

Hank casually signaled the waiter with a subtle gesture, hoping to slip in and pay for Mary’s meal. Just then, Mary said to the cashier, “I guess I’ll skip the burger then.”

The cashier nodded, “Sure thing.”

Mary paid, took her receipt, and sat down to wait, her heart light with joy.

Hank’s gaze never left Mary. The waiter approached, asking, “Sir, what can I get for you?”

The waiter was puzzled; he had been beckoned over but wasn’t given an order.

Mary’s attention was caught by the waiter’s voice, and she glanced instinctively toward Hank.

Hank wore a face mask, but Mary recognized him in an instant.

That was her dad. Even behind a mask, she’d know him anywhere.

Mary was in disbelief. Since she and her mom moved to the new place, her dad hadn’t come to visit.

Her grandma had told her about the divorce, warning her not to mention her father in front of her mom. Mary was obedient; she never asked.

Now, months later, seeing her dad again stirred a mix of happiness and disbelief in her.

Father and daughter locked eyes, Hank fearful of being recognized and equally afraid of not being.

The cashier’s reminder broke the moment, “Kid, your order’s ready to go.”

Mary stood up to get her food. She didn’t greet Hank, pretended not to recognize him, and walked towards the stairs with her takeaway.

At the top of the stairs, she couldn’t help but look back, then continued down.

That one look from Mary made Hank’s heart ache, his chest tight with emotion.

Mary used to rely on him so much, and now, though she was close enough to touch, he would not hear her call him 'Dad' again.

Tears welled up in Mary’s eyes as she descended the stairs, but she held them back.

She paused at the stairwell to collect herself before carrying her burger and fries to find her mother, Susan.

In front of Susan, Mary was still the cheerful little girl.

“Mom, I got you some hot cocoa. Have a sip, and here's your burger. I’ll just have the fries and soda.”