The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 904

To keep Daria quiet, Autumn bent down and said softly, “This is our little secret, just between you and Grandma. We won’t tell anyone else, all right? Not even your dad.”

“Why not?” Daria looked up at her, confused.

Autumn smiled and spun another story. “If the secret gets out, your mom won’t be able to come home. She has to beat the monsters first, and she can only do that if no one knows.”

Daria nodded solemnly. “Okay then.”

“Pinky promise?” Autumn held out her finger, delighted that Daria was warming up to her. “Pinky promise—if you break it, you have to be a silly puppy!”

Daria giggled and linked her pinky with Autumn’s.

Today, Daria was happier than she’d been in a long time. It was the first time someone had shared stories about her mom with her.

Autumn told her tale after tale about Julie. She painted her as heroic and kind, all the things a child would want to hear—even though, in truth, Julie had never spent a single day taking care of Daria.

Soon, it was time to leave. Caterina came to collect Daria.

As they headed out, Autumn called after them, “Bring her back the day after tomorrow. I really enjoy having Daria here.”

“Of course, Mrs. Walker. You can see her anytime you want.” Caterina smiled, her mind already on Autumn’s generosity.

On the drive back, Caterina got a call from Joseph. She detoured and dropped Daria off at his place. Joseph had been caught up with his own distractions lately, but today he finally had time for his son.

When Daria came in, Joseph waved at him. “Come here, buddy.”

Daria looked nothing like Julie, and for Joseph, that was a good thing—he had passed on all his features, and if Daria had looked any more like his mother, Joseph doubted he’d feel much affection for the boy at all.

“Dad!” Daria ran over with a grin.

“So, where did you go today?” Joseph asked, barely glancing up.

“We went to the amusement park!” Daria’s eyes shone. “Dad, is it true that once my mom beats the monsters, she’ll come back?”

Kids and their promises—they just can’t help themselves.

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