The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1063

Layna dropped Jonah’s invitation into the conversation on purpose, hoping it’d push Scott to take her to the harbor.

Scott shot her a look, finished up his call with a few curt words, then hung up.

She gazed up at him, eyes wide and hopeful. “Uncle, it’s winter break. Can’t you take me with you?”

Layna could be a menace out in the world, but never around Scott. He was the one person she actually feared.

Scott waved her off, barely looking at her. “Layna, this trip is for work, not fun. Maybe next time, alright?”

Her face fell, lips quivering as if she was about to cry but didn’t dare. “Okay, Uncle…”

Scott didn’t pay her mood much attention. “I signed you up for piano, etiquette, and calligraphy classes. Practicing your handwriting will teach you patience and humility. Trust me, it’ll do you good.”

He might not show it, but Scott still tried his best to raise Layna right. She was his sister’s kid, and now that his sister was gone, he felt responsible for her.

Layna couldn’t stand any of it. The classes were boring and useless, as far as she was concerned.

Still, she put on her best-behaved act. “Thank you, Uncle.”

“Wesley!” Juliana came down the stairs with a scarf in her hand, smiling. “It’s cold out there. Make sure you keep warm.”

She wrapped the scarf gently around Scott’s neck. “Call me when you get there.”

Juliana’s tender fussing made Scott’s heart soften. Pregnancy had made her gentler, and it brought a warmth to their home he hadn’t realized was missing.

“I will.” He gave her belly a gentle pat. “You take care too. I’ll be back in three days, tops. I’ll bring you and our little guy some gifts.”

Juliana smiled, her hand resting on her stomach. “We’ll be waiting at home, won’t we, baby? Daddy’s heading out, but he’ll bring us presents when he comes back.”

Off to the side, Layna watched the scene, jealousy simmering in her chest. She shot a venomous glare at Juliana’s belly. She already felt invisible; once that baby was born, she’d be totally forgotten.

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