The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1149

Anastasia’s words had a bite to them. The way she said it, Alan calling Autumn “old” was just a kid being honest—nothing wrong with that, right? At least, that’s the vibe Anastasia gave off: honesty in a child is a virtue, and who could fault good parenting? Meanwhile, Autumn just looked petty, losing her cool with a child, while Anastasia played it cool and sharp as ever.

Autumn’s face grew even darker. She’d never once managed to outtalk Anastasia.

“Anastasia, can you really say you care about this child? She’s—” Autumn wanted to mention Julie, but with Alan standing right there, she swallowed her words, switching gears. “You honestly have no hidden agenda?”

“What could I possibly be up to, Mrs. Walker? Some things are better left unsaid in front of children. Kids forget, but if the wrong person overhears, who knows what rumors could start? It might hurt your reputation. If Mr. Walker caught wind of it, that wouldn’t end well either, would it?”

Autumn was seething, but she didn’t dare argue. With Mr. Walker’s mood swings lately, it wasn’t worth the risk. She could only swallow her anger.

Seeing how ruffled Autumn was, Anastasia smoothly changed the subject, a gentle smile on her lips. “Mrs. Walker, you don’t look well. Didn’t get enough rest during your recovery?”

Truth was, Autumn had been on edge her entire confinement, terrified that Mr. Walker might hurt the baby. She barely slept whenever he was home.

Awkwardly, she forced a smile. “Childbirth takes a lot out of you. Isn’t it normal to look a little tired?”

“At your age, Mrs. Walker, it’s no small feat. You really should rest. I won’t keep you. Daria, come with Auntie—we’ll go watch your uncle play billiards.”

Without waiting for Autumn to answer, Anastasia left with Alan in tow.

No sooner had they left than the baby in Autumn’s arms started fussing, hungry again. She was just about to comfort him when the nanny, Shirley, stepped forward. “Let me handle it, ma’am.”

“I—” Autumn started, but then Mr. Walker came over too. “Let Shirley do it, Autumn. You need to rest. Don’t wear yourself out.”

His words sounded caring, but no one could see the turmoil twisting inside her.

She could only watch helplessly as Shirley carried her baby away.

After tea, dinner time rolled around fast. Autumn made her excuses and left early—she couldn’t take it anymore. This time, Mr. Walker didn’t say a word, just told Shirley to go with her.

Dinner dragged on late; by the time it ended, it was nearly ten. Alan insisted on going home with Anastasia to Southridge Estates, and Joseph couldn’t say no.

Alan, happy as can be, left with Anastasia and Herman. He barely made it into the car before nodding off, sound asleep.

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