The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

In the dimly lit hallway outside the office door, Anastasia paused, catching snippets of a heated phone conversation. Just as she was about to step inside, Gianna's voice filtered through, laced with frustration. "Mom, I've done everything. I even made his favorite blueberry pie and tried to win over his mother, but it's hopeless. He's just not interested. And now that he's freshly divorced, everyone's after him. I'm more anxious about this than you are, so please, stop nagging."

Anastasia was hit with a wave of surprise. Was Gianna seriously into someone? And a divorcee at that? The timing was uncanny-Anastasia had just finalized her own divorce from Herman. Could Gianna possibly be interested in the same man? Her thoughts were interrupted as an employee approached Gianna. Noticing Anastasia, Gianna's face flushed with guilt, and she quickly ended the call.

"Anastasia, how long have you been here?" Gianna asked, her voice tinged with nerves as she ushered the employee away.

"Just got here," Anastasia replied, stepping into the room. "I didn't want to interrupt. Sounded pretty serious. Did I hear correctly that you're divorced now? You never mentioned it."

"Yeah, it's over," Gianna admitted, trying to act casual. "No point in dragging it out."

Anastasia couldn't resist a bit of teasing. "Could it be that you were in a rush to divorce because there's someone new in your life?"

Gianna's smile was tight. "You caught me. I was just arguing with my mom about it. She's desperate for me to remarry, but it's not that simple."

"So, there is someone?" Anastasia prodded gently. "A divorcee? You've been keeping secrets, cousin. I haven't heard a thing about this mystery man."

Gianna sighed, looking conflicted. "I have fallen for someone, but I didn't want to be the gossip of the family. He's divorced, and his family has high standards. It's all very uncertain right now. I'd be a laughingstock if word got out." "And who is this elusive man? With your smarts and beauty, who could possibly overlook you? I must meet him someday."

To deflect, Gianna made up a story. "He's a businessman from Montgomery, not from around here. When he's back in town, I'll introduce you. A man going through a second marriage has to be cautious, you know."

Anastasia silently exhaled in relief. It seemed her worries were unfounded.

"Anyway, what brings you here today?" Gianna shifted the topic.

"Just stopping by to catch up and see how the café is doing," Anastasia replied, keeping her suspicions about Herman to herself.

"It's going alright," Gianna assured her with a smile. "Since you're here, why don't you join me for lunch after I finish up some work?"

"I'll hang out downstairs," Anastasia said, leaving Gianna to her duties.

Gianna's smile faded once Anastasia was out of sight, relieved that her secret was still under wraps.

Downstairs, Anastasia settled into a window seat, ordered a cup of coffee, and flipped through a fashion jewelry magazine to pass the time. She had recently resigned from AL Jewelry, ready to return to her roots and start anew.

An article about her former colleague Christine's success in a jewelry design competition caught her eye, reassuring her that AL Jewelry was in good hands.

As she continued browsing, a shadow fell over her table. Looking up, she saw a man she didn't recognize. His features were sharp and authoritative, exuding an air of integrity.

"Mind if I sit here?" the man asked.

"I'm sorry, there are other seats available," Anastasia replied politely.

Ignoring her, he sat down and introduced himself. "Seems you don't remember me. I'm Jason, a detective."

Anastasia tensed, thinking the visit was related to the Salstrom family case. "Did the Salstroms send you?"

She was certain she didn't know this man.

Jason rested his hands on the table, looking serious. "No recollection? Eight years ago, a fugitive ran into Cloud Mountain. I led the search team and got injured. You treated my wounds." Memories clicked into place. "You're that unlucky rookie cop from back then?"