The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 885

Sandy was completely unhinged—she actually leaned over and offered Anastasia her other cheek, practically inviting another slap.

That smug grin on Sandy’s face, the wild glint in her eyes—it made Anastasia think, This woman is out of her mind.

Way more unhinged than Julie ever was.

“You’re insane,” Anastasia snapped, then landed a sharp slap on Sandy’s other cheek.

Now both sides of Sandy’s face were red and swelling.

But Sandy just let out a reckless laugh. “Anastasia, want to hear all the juicy details about me and your husband? I was there when they pulled him out of that tunnel. When he woke up, he didn’t remember a thing. I told him I was his girlfriend—he believed me. He followed me back to Willowbrook, we stayed at Villa Floradale, and every night we were tangled up together. Did he tell you nothing happened between us?”

Sandy rambled on, feeding off the cracks forming in Anastasia’s expression. She’d always hated how Anastasia trusted Herman like he could do no wrong.

Sandy didn’t believe anyone should have that kind of trust in another person.

She was sick of hearing people talk about how perfect Anastasia and Herman were together—she wanted to blow up the illusion for everyone to see.

There’s no such thing as forever love. There’s only forever self-interest.

“He came to Willowbrook to find me, you know? Want to hear what he said?” Sandy’s eyes sparkled as she watched Anastasia. “He begged me to stay away from you, not to mention the past. He’s scared, Anastasia. No one can deny what happened between me and Herman at Floradale—not even you.”

The more vague and suggestive Sandy got, the more rage welled up inside Anastasia, and for the first time, doubt crept in too.

Sandy walked off, satisfied. She’d gotten exactly what she wanted.

Anastasia felt icy cold, like the chill had sunk right into her bones. She didn’t go back to the ballroom. Instead, she slipped away on her own, her shoulders hunched like a turtle retreating into its shell.

For a moment, she had no idea how to face Herman.

How was she supposed to trust him, after this?

Whatever happened between him and Sandy at Floradale—no one could ever take that away.

Inside the party—

Herman noticed Anastasia had been gone way too long. He called her. She didn’t pick up, but she was worried he’d start to wonder what was going on, afraid he’d realize she ran off—her pride couldn’t take that.

So she texted him: Monica needed something, I left early. Don’t worry about me. Just enjoy yourself.