Jason's plea tugged at Monica's heartstrings, leaving her with a bittersweet feeling. As he began to speak, emotions she had tried to keep in check suddenly threatened to overflow. Forcing a smile, she tried to keep her cool and sat back down. "Sure thing. Do you want some water? I can get you a glass."
Jason glanced at the fruit bowl and spotted the apples. "Could you peel an apple for me?"
Peeling an apple would take some time—maybe he just wanted a few extra moments with her.
"Okay," Monica replied, picking up an apple and finding the paring knife. She settled into her chair and started peeling it slowly.
They sat in silence. Monica focused on the apple while Jason reclined on the hospital bed, his gaze steady on her. Her mind was racing, fully aware of Jason watching her.
Suddenly, the peel snapped.
"I'll cut it into slices for you," Monica offered, adjusting the apple and continuing to peel.
"Sure," Jason nodded.
Monica sliced the apple into small pieces, arranged them on a plate, and handed it to him.
As Jason took the plate, he suddenly said, "Monica, I'm going to sort things out with Alisa soon."
Sort things out?
Monica looked up at him, trying to read between the lines. Was he talking about marriage? Was he telling her he was getting married?
She couldn't bring herself to ask directly. Just as Jason was about to explain, Isla burst into the room. "Papa Jason, when is my mom coming? I'm hungry!"
Jason swallowed his words and offered Isla the apple slices. "Here, have some apple to tide you over."
"Okay," Isla said, taking the apple.
Monica chimed in, "Jason, should I peel another one for you?"
"No need," Jason replied. "Monica, I'm being discharged next Monday. Are you free on February 14th?"
Valentine's Day. Was he planning to marry Alisa then?
She couldn't stomach the idea of attending her ex-boyfriend's wedding.
Monica quickly lied, "Oh, that's a shame. I'm heading to Los Angeles with a friend that day. Already booked the flight and hotel."
Even his bosses at work had hinted at settling down with Alisa.
Everyone assumed he should be with Alisa, especially with Isla calling him Papa Jason, tugging at his heartstrings.
Responsibility was a heavy chain.
Monica glanced at her watch. "I should get going. I'm meeting a friend for some shopping this afternoon. It's still the evaluation phase, so I need to give him a thorough assessment."
This time, Jason had nothing to say to make her stay.
Monica stood up to leave. As she opened the door, she found Alisa standing there.
She had no idea how long Alisa had been listening, nor did she care. She brushed past Alisa without a word and left.
As she walked away, she faintly heard Alisa say to Jason, "February 14th is a great day. My dad said we should go ahead with it..."
Monica didn't catch the rest.
So, he really was planning to marry Alisa on that day.
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....