The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1159

Juliana and Scott’s breakup was all anyone could talk about—there wasn’t a soul in town who hadn’t heard.

But the mistress? Scott kept her under wraps so well that even the gossipy secretaries at his office couldn’t spill a single photo or clue about her.

Anastasia felt bad for Juliana, sure, but that was about the extent of it.

Outside, the rain kept pouring as Anastasia dropped Monica off at Jason’s building. “Monica, Herman and I are taking the kids on a little getaway. If you need anything, just call me, okay?”

“Got it.” Monica popped open her umbrella and stood by the car. “Go have fun. I’m heading in.”

“Alright.” Anastasia watched from the curb until Monica disappeared inside, then drove off.

Jason was home from the hospital now, though his vision still hadn’t returned. Two rounds of surgery had smoothed out most of the scars on his face—he didn’t look nearly as frightening as before.

With one more round of laser skin therapy, the doctors said, his face would be almost as good as new. The marks would be so faint you’d have to squint to see them.

But his eyes were another story.

Herman had even asked James for help, but James could only throw up his hands: Jason’s blindness wasn’t about his body anymore—it was in his mind.

His career was in shambles, his life even worse. Jason had lost all confidence.

Monica knew the code to the fingerprint lock, so she let herself right into Jason’s place.

Hank was there already, keeping Jason company. These days, Hank was the only one who still came around—everyone else had drifted off.

“Jason, the new captain at our station is nuts. Everything’s got to be reported, and nothing’s ever good enough. He’s got everyone’s nerves frayed…”

Hank filled Jason in on the latest precinct gossip—cases cracked, coworkers’ antics, which suspects finally caved.

When Monica walked in, Hank grinned. “Hey, Anastasia. Since you’re here, I won’t play third wheel. I have to get back anyway. Jason, I’ll come visit again soon.”

Lately, Hank insisted on calling Monica “Anastasia.” No matter how many times Jason tried to correct him, Hank just wouldn’t budge.

Jason scoffed. “Don’t think you matter that much to me. I told you, I—”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing. Your mom’s calling.” Monica cut him off, answering her phone right there. “Hi, Mrs. Miller! Don’t worry, he’s safe with me. I’m not holding anything against him, I swear. Oh, you sent some homemade goodies? Thank you! I’ll take care of him—he’ll be chubby in no time…”

Jason had heard enough. He turned away and disappeared into his bedroom.

He knew every inch of his apartment by heart. He didn’t need a cane, didn’t want any help.

He slammed the door behind him. Monica glanced over, let out a long breath, chatted with Clarissa for another minute, and then hung up.

On the outside, Monica seemed tough as nails. But fighting for love all on her own was exhausting.

She leaned back against the sofa, the silence in the apartment so deep it felt like you could hear a pin drop.

She missed the Jason she used to know.