The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 513

Anastasia rolled her eyes at Herman, a mix of amusement and exasperation dancing in her gaze. "You really get a kick out of these thrills, don't you? Acting like there's no cost and no responsibilities once the fun is over."

Herman pulled her into his embrace, sealing their closeness with a deep, passionate French kiss. "I'll be responsible for you for a lifetime. Why didn't you take the money I gave you last time?"

"I want to leave your house with my hands clean," Anastasia replied firmly. "When I married you, I had nothing. It wouldn’t feel right to walk away from a divorce with a chunk of your billions. Carrying that much, I'd never sleep soundly, always worrying about being mugged or worse."

"My silly woman," Herman murmured tenderly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "If you miss me, just come here. The door code is your birthday. Once I've cleared Grandma's case, I'll remarry you in style. We never had a proper wedding, Anastasia, but this time, we'll do it right. Let's start over."

She knew he had always wanted to give her a grand wedding.

Now that they were divorced and single again, it was like a fresh start.

But in that moment, Anastasia hesitated. "Herman, we were always from two different worlds. If you can clear your name, that's great, and I'm happy you still want me. I can be with you, no strings attached, have a little affair. I don't want to be Mrs. Salstrom again. Some prejudices, societal judgments, they're etched deep inside, like an insurmountable mountain. I'm content with how things are now."

Herman took a deep breath, sighing. "I get it. It's my fault—too many temptations, too much trouble for a man like me to handle."

Anastasia was momentarily speechless. Was this his version of a humblebrag?

She glared at him. "The trouble you attract is definitely a bit much. Even if you don't reciprocate, there are women throwing themselves at you. How did your handkerchief end up with Gianna?"

She hadn't planned to bring it up, but his boastful attitude had drawn the words from her.

"What handkerchief?" Herman genuinely couldn't remember.

Such a trivial matter wouldn't stay in his mind.

He went through handkerchiefs like water, often discarding them without a second thought, even the ones that cost a pretty penny.