The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 844

The moment Autumn realized that Daria was her grandson—her daughter Julie’s child—her heart thudded with emotion. She wanted nothing more than to gather the little boy up and never let go.

Autumn managed to rein in her feelings, smoothing her expression and offering a warm, sincere compliment. “He’s such a handsome kid, isn’t he? Those bright eyes… he’s going to break some hearts when he’s older, I’m sure of it.”

Katelyn, thinking Autumn was just being polite, grinned. “He’s alright, I suppose. Mrs. Walker, can I get you some coffee?”

“Oh, anything’s fine,” Autumn replied. “Back on the farm, we didn’t have coffee—just plain water, really. I’m not picky. And please, don’t call me Mrs. Walker. Just Autumn is fine! No need to be so formal. You’re helping me settle in here in Riverdale, and honestly, I already think of you as a friend. Let’s skip the formalities and be sisters from now on.”

All the while, Autumn’s eyes rarely left Daria, her affection and longing written all over her face.

Katelyn laughed. “Well, I’m a year older, so I guess I get to call you my little sis, then.”

“Works for me, Katelyn,” Autumn replied, smiling easily, and the two women slipped into a comfortable chat.

Meanwhile, Anastasia sat quietly to the side, scrolling through her phone, though she kept glancing up at Autumn, curiosity and caution flickering in her eyes.

Katelyn ordered a coffee for Autumn. Before long, Daria woke up from his nap. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, and spotting Anastasia, reached out. “Mommy, up!”

He wasn’t fully awake and barely knew what he was saying, but he clung to Anastasia, craving comfort. He’d never really had a mother, but he’d heard other kids call for theirs, and he wanted that too. There was something about Anastasia that made her feel like the mom he imagined.

That one word—“Mommy”—hit Anastasia hard. Surprise, longing, and bitterness surged inside her.

Her own child, lost because of Julie and Grannie Anita’s schemes, was gone. And now Julie’s son was calling her ‘Mommy.’

If her own son hadn’t been taken, he’d be about Daria’s age now.

Anastasia froze, unable to move, not reaching for him. Daria, undeterred, wriggled out of the nanny’s arms and climbed right into Anastasia’s lap.

It all happened so naturally, everyone stared for a moment.

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