The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1099

The phrase “an old oyster bearing a pearl” was never meant as a compliment—it always carried a hint of mockery.

Katelyn used to call Autumn by her first name, or sometimes, sweetly, “Autumn, dear.” But now, hearing her say “Mrs. Mayor” in that distant, formal tone, everyone in the room started to sense something was off. Did the two of them have a falling out?

Autumn’s face was a mask. “Not everyone is as lucky as you, Mrs. Salstrom. Three sons—three boys who call you ‘Mom.’ You went through two difficult pregnancies and came out with three sons to show for it. That’s the kind of blessing anyone would envy.”

It was a loaded remark, and everyone there caught the meaning. Joseph, the Salstroms’ illegitimate son, was hardly a secret. Autumn’s words landed like a slap, a reminder of Katelyn’s husband’s wandering ways.

Despite the calm on the surface, there was a tension in the air so thick you could cut it with a knife. The other ladies, always so quick to join in, were suddenly silent, not daring to pick a side.

Katelyn, unruffled, simply smiled and sat down. “Well, I suppose I am blessed in that way. But Mrs. Mayor, your luck with children hasn’t been so good, has it? You lost your first two, didn’t you? Such a tragedy, truly heartbreaking. As a mother, I really feel for you. You must take extra care of yourself with this pregnancy.”

Two children? The women exchanged bewildered glances. Everyone thought Autumn had lost just one baby when she was younger. Where did the second come from?

Autumn’s expression tightened, but Katelyn leaned in, not letting up.

Katelyn took Autumn’s hand, putting on a show of concern. “It’s all in the past now. Even though you never got to see your daughter one last time, the heavens are watching out for you. You’ve been given another chance, and you should really treasure it.”

When Julie died, Autumn never even got to say goodbye—a pain she’d carried for years.

Autumn gritted her teeth, pretending not to understand. “Mrs. Salstrom, I’m sorry, I’m not following you.”

“Oh, listen to me, I’m so scatterbrained,” Katelyn said, feigning sudden realization, her voice dripping with false remorse. She turned to the group as if embarrassed, “I must have just been rambling. Don’t mind me, everyone. How could Mrs. Mayor have a daughter in her twenties? She hasn’t even been married to Mr. Walker that long. I must have mixed something up.”

Autumn’s face was drained of color.

If anything, Katelyn’s “correction” just made things worse—her meaning was clear as day. She was hinting that Autumn had a child before she married Mr. Walker. That kind of scandal was enough to leave everyone speechless.

Wherever women gather, gossip follows—and especially women in their forties and fifties, who can spread a rumor like wildfire. Before the afternoon was over, talk of Autumn’s secret daughter would be the latest hot topic at every lunch and dinner party in town.

Katelyn squeezed Autumn’s hand, eyes shining with fake concern. “You’re not upset with me, are you, Mrs. Mayor? I can be so careless sometimes.”

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