The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1059

Juliana’s refusal was the last straw—suddenly, all the frustration Layna had been holding in for months came bursting out.

“Aunt Julie, how could you do this? You promised me! How can you go back on your word?” Layna whined, her voice sharp with hurt. “Paradise is going to the coast—she’s definitely going to see Justin. I haven’t seen Justin in forever, Aunt Julie!”

Layna’s yelling made Juliana’s head pound. It was the first time Layna had ever spoken to her like this, and Juliana was taken aback. “Layna, what’s gotten into you? Don’t raise your voice. You’ll upset the baby,” she scolded, rubbing her belly.

“Aunt Julie!” Layna stomped her foot furiously, shot Juliana’s stomach a venomous glare, and stormed out.

“This girl, honestly. So difficult,” Juliana grumbled to herself, stroking her belly with a gentle sigh. “It’s okay, baby. Mommy’s here.”

…

Layna was fuming. Back in her room, she hurled anything she could get her hands on to the floor, making a complete mess.

But even that didn’t help. She rushed out again, wandering the streets in a haze, her mind swirling with one bitter thought: if only that baby wasn’t there, no one would compete with her for affection.

As she walked, the sky suddenly let loose—rain pouring so hard it soaked her in seconds. Layna dashed into a nearby mall to get out of the storm.

Standing at the entrance, she suddenly caught a familiar voice.

“Mom, can you come with me to the coast? It’s Grandpa Wisman’s birthday, and Uncle Wisman invited the whole family. Can you please come? We’ll take the ferry, and Justin says there’s tons of fun stuff to do…”

It was Paradise.

Anastasia and Paradise were just leaving through a side door, laughing together, completely unaware of Layna watching them from the main entrance.

Layna stared at the mother and daughter, a stabbing ache of envy in her chest.

Anastasia held an umbrella over Paradise, the two of them chatting and smiling as they headed for a sleek black Mercedes parked by the curb.

Herman got out, opened the door for them, and the three of them disappeared inside—so happy, so together.

Layna had no parents. She wanted that more than anything.

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