The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Jason paused, immediately considering Anastasia's current state. "No way," he said firmly. "I've got my eyes on the neighborhood across the street. Just give me a little more time, and I'll find out where Julie is."

From a cop's perspective, Jason knew he couldn't risk alerting the suspect, and using Anastasia as bait was completely out of the question. The goal was to catch Julie and whoever was behind her without putting anyone in harm's way. "The longer this drags on, the more desperate Julie could get," Anastasia expressed her worries. "Remember what happened with Gianna and Pattie? I can't let any risk go unchecked."

"Anastasia, take it easy," Jason advised. "With your health, if anything went wrong, I'd never forgive myself. And Monica... if she found out, she'd have my head. Plus, that's not how we handle cases."

Anastasia knew her idea was a bit much, but she was just scared of repeating past mistakes.

"You're really worried about Monica, aren't you?" Anastasia picked up on his concern.

Jason nodded. "Monica thinks the world of you. She never stops talking about how you're the most important person to her after her parents. I wouldn't dare put you at risk, especially with Herman around. I'd be in serious trouble with both of them." Feeling a warm glow inside, Anastasia smiled. "That's Monica for you, tough outside but warm inside. Having her as a best friend is a blessing. Jason, there's something I've been wanting to ask."

Jason motioned for her to continue.

"Do you like anyone?" Anastasia asked directly.

Jason was surprised by her straightforwardness.noveldrama

After a moment, he said, "Just say what's on your mind."

Skipping the small talk, Anastasia asked, "What do you think about Monica? I've been thinking about setting you two up. Monica mentioned someone likes you, and she doesn't want to come between anyone, so I wanted your thoughts." Anastasia saw Jason as a good match for Monica, given his honesty and bright future.

Monica's track record with men wasn't great, often being taken advantage of financially. Anastasia had seen it all.

Despite Monica's knack for matchmaking, her own choices weren't always the best. The last guy had drained a lot of her money.

Anastasia had warned Monica about the dangers of bankrolling a man's lifestyle, but love-struck Monica wouldn't listen.

Jason asked eagerly, "Did she actually say that?"

His tone gave away his interest.

Anastasia laughed, "Why would I lie? What do you think about Monica?"

Recalling his time with Monica, Jason described her as "simple-minded, a bit naive, but fiercely loyal."

Then he added, "I'm single and open to suggestions."

Anastasia was both surprised and delighted by his openness. "Then I'll introduce you to Monica. But let me be clear, no mistreating or deceiving her." "You two really are like sisters, even your speech is the same," Jason noted, sipping his coffee. "Monica does have a thing for younger guys."

"Age isn't a big deal for Monica," Anastasia almost slipped, quickly changing the subject with a chuckle. "I've said my part, now it's up to you." Jason openly acknowledged, "Yeah, Monica's got... particular standards. She once joked about guys over thirty not being up to par." Anastasia was embarrassed but clarified quickly. "Monica's just all talk. She's got her principles, and honestly, she's inexperienced, you know?" Jason pondered Monica's supposed experience, which was pretty common these days.

Anastasia's assurance that Monica was inexperienced surprised him. Coming from her, it had to be true.

Before Jason could say more, his phone rang a colleague needed some files from his laptop in the car.

Anastasia stayed in the café, sipping her juice, when someone suddenly sat across from her.

Looking up, she saw a woman on the phone: "Rowan, I'm not your puppet; I don't need to update you on my every move..."

It was Julie, who hadn't noticed Anastasia until she hung up in frustration. Locking eyes with Anastasia, Julie's heart skipped a beat. Finding Anastasia here, alone, was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.