The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1057

This news was the last thing Layna wanted to hear.

When Anastasia first adopted her, Layna already had to share half of Anastasia’s love with Paradise. Jealousy gnawed at her so badly she’d tricked Paradise into going to the train station—and left her there, abandoned.

Back with the Stranz family, Layna had been Juliana’s darling, basking in all her affection. But now that Juliana was pregnant, it was clear: someone new would soon be stealing the spotlight, someone who might take away everything Layna thought was hers.

Layna Crystal plastered on a sweet smile, eyes wide in fake surprise. “Auntie, you’re having a baby? That’s amazing! I’ll have a little sister soon!” She bounced up and down, clapping her hands, her delight a flawless act for Juliana’s benefit.

“Not a sister, a brother,” Juliana gently corrected. “I just know it’s a boy. You’ll have to call him little brother, okay?”

Layna nodded, her performance seamless. “A brother! Auntie, you must be right.” She reached out, giving Juliana’s belly a gentle pat. “Be good in there, little brother. Your big sister’s waiting for you. I’ll play with you all the time when you come out.”

Hearing Layna call the baby “little brother” made Juliana beam, as if she truly believed she was carrying a boy.

“Layna, I’m not feeling so great and need to rest more. From now on, the housekeeper will take you to and from school. Tonight, you should go to bed early too, okay?”

Juliana still cared about Layna, but early pregnancy was exhausting, the muggy weather making things worse. She needed to put herself—and the baby—first now. Layna wouldn’t be picked up from school by her anymore.

But to Layna, those words just piled on more jealousy and bitterness toward the baby in Juliana’s belly.

It was only the beginning, and already Auntie was sharing her love with that unborn child. What if, one day, she stopped caring about Layna at all?

Layna knew perfectly well that her cushy life with the Stranz family was all thanks to Juliana’s protection.

Of course, she didn’t let any of this show. She just smiled, sweet as honey. “Sure, Auntie. You should rest and take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it.”

“What a thoughtful girl.” Juliana reached over and ruffled Layna’s hair. “Go on, then.”

“Okay. You rest, Auntie, I’ll go do my homework.”

Layna headed to her bedroom. The second the door clicked shut, her happy mask dropped. Her face twisted with rage as she swept everything off her desk—books, pencils, stuffed animals—sending them crashing to the floor. She couldn’t scream, so she growled quietly, shaking with frustration.

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