The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia was out on a date with a guy, and if Herman got wind of it, wouldn't that just stir up trouble? The idea of a wife meeting another man alone, even if nothing inappropriate happened, could still leave a sour taste. Julie, with these thoughts swirling around, stood up and said to Anastasia, "Looks like your friend's here. I'll leave you two to it."

Initially, Anastasia was just mildly annoyed by the personal questions, not thinking much beyond that. But Julie's mention of "your friend" made her heart skip a beat. This was their first meeting; how did she know Jason was her friend? Julie, caught off guard by her own words, didn't even realize she'd slipped up. As she was about to head back to her seat, Anastasia called out, "You're Leonora, right? We talked about adding each other on WhatsApp, let's do it. It's fate that we met." Anastasia's sudden interest in exchanging contacts took Julie by surprise, but it was just that—a surprise. She saw it as a chance to get closer to Anastasia, which could only help her plans.

Pulling out her phone with an innocent smile, Julie said, "Ms. Jewell, you can scan my code." After adding each other on WhatsApp and saving her as 'Leonora,' Julie inwardly scoffed at how easily Anastasia fell into her trap.

Once they were connected, Julie went back to her seat and casually ordered a coffee. Jason, having observed their interaction, recognized Julie from a previous encounter at the supermarket. He asked, "What did that person want to talk to you about?" "Just doing a relationship survey, said she just started her internship," Anastasia replied, careful not to say too much with Julie still nearby. She then asked Jason, "You got business? If you're busy, go ahead, I don't mind."

"Handled some work stuff at the precinct, it's all good now." Jason glanced back at Julie, then turned to Anastasia, "She lives in the neighborhood, saw her once at the supermarket."

Anastasia, curious but composed, didn't pry further and instead shifted the conversation to Elysian Technologies, "Work's been hectic, end-of-year stuff. Let's catch up over dinner with Herman when he's free."noveldrama

Jason, puzzled by the sudden shift to dinner plans, went along, thinking it might be a thank-you for working on Pattie's case, "No need for formalities, it's all part of the job. And we've known each other for years. How's Pattie doing lately?" "She's improving, Herman hired a new tutor for her, came over today. We're hoping for the best..." Their conversation drifted mostly around Pattie.

Julie, eavesdropping from the next table, couldn't catch everything but heard Pattie's name mentioned frequently, alongside mentions of their long acquaintance. She quickly speculated. Could Pattie be Anastasia and Jason's child? Recalling how stern Jason was when he arrested her, it felt personal. Now, it seemed Jason was harsh because of Anastasia, even having the police keep tabs on her. Julie's imagination ran wild, picturing a past where Jason and Anastasia were lovers, now secretly reconnecting behind Herman's back, possibly even raising a love child, Pattie, in secrecy. While snooping, Julie covertly started recording Anastasia and Jason under the guise of using her phone.

Just then, Anastasia stood up to leave with Jason. "I'll take care of the bill," Jason said. "I need to use the restroom," Anastasia replied.

As Jason headed to the cashier and Anastasia to the restroom in the opposite direction, passing by Julie's seat, Anastasia "accidentally" dropped her phone near Julie...