The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

"Ana, what brings you here? Where's your mom?" Tavon's face lit up as he propped himself up in bed, grinning widely. Anastasia's presence was like a breath of fresh air; before she arrived, Tavon had been moping around, his face clouded with gloom.

"Mom mentioned you were in the hospital, so I thought I'd swing by," Anastasia replied, keeping her true intentions under wraps. Tavon's hospitalization was the perfect excuse for her visit.

"Hey, sis," Sandy greeted with a smile.noveldrama

Anastasia barely glanced at Sandy and said, "I got this. You can take care of other things." Her commanding presence was undeniable, and Sandy instinctively put her bowl down, nodding. "Alright."

Sandy was relieved to leave; she felt uncomfortable around Anastasia. With Herman off in Riverdale and Anastasia suddenly in Willowbrook, Sandy's mind was in a whirl. She needed to call Sean and get the lowdown on Herman's situation.

Once Sandy left, Anastasia settled into a chair, eyeing Tavon. "Did you really get into it with Ashley?"

"More like I got ambushed," Tavon grumbled, anger simmering. "Caught her sneaking around with some guy. Even when I confronted her, she wouldn't admit it, but I saw him."

"Got played, huh?" Anastasia teased. "Always on guard, and look where it got you."

Tavon rolled his eyes. "Are you here to visit or just to mock me?"

"Just dropping by," Anastasia shrugged. "You look pretty lively; maybe you should get out of that hospital bed."

"Just dropping by? You have other business in Willowbrook?" Tavon grumbled. "Your old man's in this state, and you just happen to stop by?"

"Alright, let's say I'm concerned. Tell me about this guy Ashley's seeing. Is he handsome? Younger? More interesting?" Anastasia poked fun.

Tavon huffed. "Might as well not ask."

Her words hit home.

Anastasia chuckled. "Should I head out then?"

Tavon stayed silent, so Anastasia pretended to leave, only to turn back. "Did Ashley really cheat?"

Another sore spot.

Tavon's face darkened. "Sandy even helped cover it up. I saw the guy but didn't get a good look before I got clocked. That woman's ruthless. Never knew she'd try to send me to an early grave."

Anastasia rubbed it in. "Didn't you almost end up there last time with the poisoning? Maybe she thought a different approach would work."

Tavon blurted out, "It wasn't Ashley then, it was San-" Realizing his stip, Tavon quickly changed the subject. "I've got meds at three, Ana. Set an alarm for me."

Anastasia couldn't hold back her laughter. "Sure, just remember to take them."

Oh, she knew what he almost let slip. Tavon had forgiven Sandy, she was his daughter after all, and decided to keep it quiet.

Tavon knew he wasn't fooling Anastasia, but as long as she didn't call him out, he'd let it be.

Anastasia asked seriously, "Where did Sandy's little fling stay?"

"Ana, why do you want to know?"

"Just curious," Anastasia shrugged. "Wanted to see what type Sandy's into."

"He stayed over at the Greenfield Villas."

"Alright, take care. I'm off," Anastasia said, leaving as soon as she got the info she needed.

Tavon grumbled, "None of you kids have any sense of duty. Just leave me, why don't you."

After Anastasia left, Tavon called Salma to vent about her, though his tone carried a hint of fatherly affection.

Tavon's affection always hinged on what his daughters could offer him.

As Anastasia headed to the elevator, she spotted Sandy at the end of the hallway on the phone. She hesitated

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