The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

After Monica left, the hospital room felt quiet.

Alisa carefully ladled some chicken soup into a bowl and handed it to Jason. "What about February 14th? That's when we plan to move Will's grave. My dad consulted a fortune teller, and they said it would be good for Isla's future." Daniel and Malia often had health issues and were no strangers to hospital visits throughout the year. Recently, Malia had a dream where her son appeared to her, asking for his grave to be moved.

Jason's face was unreadable. "Whatever you decide is fine," he said. After all, he was an outsider to the Brown family. He had no say in their plans to move their son's grave.

"Alright," Alisa replied gently. "You'll be able to leave the hospital next week. My mom thinks it's best if you stay with us while you recover. Living alone isn't convenient, and if something happens, no one would know."

"No need," Jason replied. "My mom's coming to Riverdale next week; she'll look after me." Jason's parents had retired to their hometown in the countryside, unaware of his injury. He was using his mother as an excuse.

If Alisa insisted on him staying with the Brown family, he'd have no choice but to call his mother to Riverdale.noveldrama

"Oh, your mom's coming? That's great, I feel relieved." Alisa knew Jason wasn't fond of her; he was always polite but distant.

Alisa felt frustrated. She didn't know how to win Jason's heart. After all these years, she'd been there for him, cooking, cleaning, attending Isla's parent-teacher meetings as his partner. They lived as a family, except for the marriage certificate.

Isla, perceptive as ever, noticed Jason's indifference towards her mom. She approached him with a pouty face. "Papa Jason, are you upset with Mom? I don't want you two to fight. We're a family."

Jason suddenly realized that in Isla's eyes, he and Alisa were a family. He regretted allowing Isla to call him Papa Jason. "Isla, no, I'm not upset with your mom. I'm just a bit tired and need to rest." Turning to Alisa, he added, "Anastasia, why don't you take Isla home? The hospital's not the best place for her with all the germs."

"... Alright, you rest. Call if you need anything." Alisa replied with understanding. She knew Jason's intentions; he was beginning to distance himself from her and Isla. After years of reliance, how could he just abandon them? Alisa wouldn't allow it.

As Alisa and Isla left, they ran into a familiar face in the hallway, a sweet old lady from the neighboring ward.

The old lady smiled, "Mrs. Brown, visiting your husband again? You two have such a strong bond. He's lucky to have such a lovely daughter and a caring wife."

Alisa smiled, letting the misunderstanding about her relationship with Jason slide. "My husband's craving ribs, so I'm heading home to cook."

"Go on then," the old lady chuckled, waving her off.

Jason had been in the hospital for a few days, and Alisa had visited daily, becoming familiar with the neighbors. Alisa enjoyed being called Mrs. Brown. She was gentle with everyone, embodying the image of a devoted wife and mother. Her clothes were always simple, and she didn't use expensive skincare products. Her complexion was tanned, making her appearance plain.

Isla inherited Alisa's features, with a similar complexion and average looks. Compliments on her appearance were often just polite.

In the cab home, Alisa asked, "What did that woman in the hospital room say to your Papa Jason? What did they do?"

Isla recounted everything she heard. "She peeled an apple for Papa Jason, but I ended up eating it. Papa Jason also told her he'd be discharged next Monday and asked if she was free on February 14th."

Alisa recalled Jason's reaction to the date. So, he wanted to see Monica? February 14th was Valentine's Day. Weren't Jason and Monica over?

Alisa realized Jason might want to rekindle things with Monica. Her expression darkened, and she asked, "And what did she say? Did she agree to meet him on February 14th?"

Isla shook her head. "No, she said she was going to Los Angeles with someone she's supposed to be dating."

""Someone she's dating?"