The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 6

Anastasia hadn't really thought that far ahead. Worried that Monica might get the wrong idea, she clarified, "I made the decision, I didn't want to mooch off anyone. We got hitched in a hurry, and whether we can go the distance is still up in the air, but that's not the point."

As for the kids' education, that's something that would need even more long-term thinking.

Monica looked a little lost for words. She stared at Anastasia for a while, clearly surprised by her current actions, given what she knew about her.

"Anastasia, are you still planning to go to the class reunion next Friday? I heard Cason will be there too. They've even booked Le Manoir Prestige. Cason's doing pretty well for himself these days, even has his own law firm."

Monica added, "I also heard he bought a mansion in Southridge Estates, that fancy neighborhood where houses cost a fortune. If you patch things up with Cason, you won't have to work your fingers to the bone anymore."

Monica had her doubts about blind dates and thought maybe she could play matchmaker for the two of them.

Anastasia got the hint and laughed, shaking her head, "I'm skipping the reunion."

She was a married woman now, and even though she and Herman weren't exactly head over heels for each other, they were legally husband and wife, and she owed him loyalty.

Herman had been good to her, and she would do her best to make their life together work. She wasn't going to stray.

How Cason was doing, whether he was rolling in dough or flat broke, was none of her business anymore.

Monica looked like she had more to say, but just then, Anastasia's phone rang, and she tensed up at the caller ID.

It was Herman.

Anastasia picked up, and Herman's gentle voice came through, "Where are you? I'll come find you."

"I'm out with a friend." Anastasia asked, "What's up?"

He wasn't rushing her to move in, was he?

"I need to talk." Herman was cryptic. "Text me your location when you're done, and I'll come get you."

Anastasia glanced at Monica, who whispered, "Is that your new hubby?"

Anastasia nodded at Monica, then told Herman on the phone, "I'm free now, I'll text you the address."

She hadn't gone to pick up the supplies yet, and she was worried that if she said she was busy, Herman might think she was making excuses to avoid him. Now that they were married, Anastasia was ready to make it work with Herman.

Regardless of whether they had a romantic foundation, she needed to take this marriage seriously. Since she was the one who proposed the marriage, she also had to show her commitment.

After hanging up, Anastasia told Monica, "I'm taking the day off, I'm not going to work. He's coming to get me soon."