The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Sandy perched herself on the couch opposite Tavon, her demeanor as composed as ever, with a playful glint in her eyes.

"Dad, back when I was stuck in the hospital, you always brought me the nicest gifts. You called me your little princess. So, why are you so upset with my brother and me now?"

She flashed a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Dad, why not just kick back and enjoy life? My brother and I are all grown up; it's your turn to relax."

Though her lips curled into a smile, there was a noticeable chill beneath it. Sandy felt no familial bond with Tavon. To her, he was just a means to an end. She was willing to sacrifice anything to achieve her goals. Tavon let out a sarcastic laugh, shaking his head. "Sandy, you're still young. Just because you've had a bit of success, don't think you're the best thing since sliced bread. There's still a lot to learn."

Her face darkened for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a bright smile. "You're right, Dad. I'll definitely learn from those with more experience."

Tavon felt a twinge of frustration. The daughter who used to be so obedient and straightforward was now impossible to read. Behind that facade, who knew what she was plotting?

With a sigh, Tavon stood up. "I'm heading over to Southridge Estates to see your sister. Do whatever you want."

Sandy rose as well. "Alright, Dad. Please let her know not to worry about those things online. It wasn't me."

Ignoring her, Tavon left the room, and Sandy dropped her smile, revealing a chillingly calculating expression.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Seeing Katelyn's name flash on the screen, Sandy's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. She answered, instantly transforming back into the picture of innocence. "Hey, Aunt Katelyn, what's up?"

"Sandy dear, which hotel are you at? I'm coming over to take you out for lunch. I feel terrible that Ana made you stay at a hotel..." Katelyn's voice was full of concern.

Katelyn felt deeply for Sandy, believing her to be unfairly treated, caught between her illness and her sister's pressures, all while handling her brother's company.

Sandy chuckled softly, "Auntie, I'm at The Ritz, over on Elm Street."noveldrama

An hour later, in the hotel lobby, Sandy sipped on her coffee, waiting. Soon enough, Katelyn arrived, balancing two elegantly wrapped gift boxes.

"Sandy, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. Traffic was a nightmare," Katelyn apologized warmly, handing over the gifts. "Here's a little something for you. This box has some skincare products, custom-made for your age, and this one's a pearl necklace. I thought it would look lovely on you."

"Aunt Katelyn, you're spoiling me!" Sandy gasped, feigning surprise, eyes brimming with delight and gratitude. She blinked away the tears that threatened to spill over.

Seeing her reaction, Katelyn's heart went out to her even more. "Go on, try it on."

Sandy didn't hesitate, clasping the elegant necklace around her neck. Each pearl was large, perfectly round, and gleamed with an inner light, a small fortune adorning her throat.

The pearls accentuated Sandy's ivory skin and graceful neck, enhancing her natural beauty. "It's gorgeous, Aunt Katelyn. Thank you so much. I'm truly moved by your generosity."

"Oh, it's nothing, really," Katelyn waved off the gratitude. "You look stunning in it. Honestly, I'm here to apologize on Ana's behalf. We feel bad having you stay here. It's not fair to you. Ana's been a bit off since having the baby, you know?"

"Auntie, I'd never hold it against my sister," Sandy assured her, her voice understanding. "Being unmarried and staying at my sister's place isn't ideal anyway. Plus, with my mom and Aunt Lana not getting along, I completely understand Ana's position."