The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia never imagined the revelation would be this explosive.

"Seriously?" Anastasia was taken aback. "Jason isn't that kind of guy. How could he have ended up with Alisa? If he liked her, he'd never have tangled with you. It just doesn't add up."

Having known Jason for over a year, Anastasia trusted his character.

Monica sighed, "Jason admitted it himself. Last Wednesday, he got drunk at Alisa's place, and, well, things happened."

Anastasia was left speechless.

Why did this drama feel so familiar yet so ridiculously over-the-top?

"Was Jason really aware of what was happening? Did they actually...?" Anastasia wondered aloud. "I've seen these jealousy games before with Herman. Once, after partying too hard, a girl snuck into his bed, snapped some suggestive photos, and sent them to me. It turned out Julie was behind it all. Seeing isn't always believing."

Monica gave a wry smile, "It's hard to make sense of these things. Sometimes, you just have to accept them. Plus, Alisa's husband once saved Jason's life. He's been looking out for their family to repay that debt. Now that things have escalated, he feels he has to take responsibility. I saw this coming-Jason couldn't easily walk away from Alisa and her family."

Anastasia shook her head, "It's a shame. Alisa's family is using that life-saving favor to trap Jason. It's like emotional blackmail. Because of that one act, he's expected to sacrifice his life."

"Will's gone, so of course Jason feels he has to step up for their son and Alisa," Monica explained. "He can't run from it, so he's stuck. When Alisa begged me not to fight over him, seeing her so helpless, I just couldn't. Without Jason, I can move on, but Alisa's family would be left with nothing. How could she manage?"

Anastasia felt a mix of sympathy and resignation, "You've always had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Even now, you're thinking about your rival."

"I'm too laid-back to fight over a man. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Why bother?" Monica shrugged. "Look at Gianna and Julie, obsessing over Herman as if they've lost their minds. If he's not yours, no amount of fighting will change that. If he is, there's no need to worry."

Anastasia chuckled, "You've really mellowed out."

"All thanks to you," Monica grinned. "Let me feel my godson and goddaughter. What's going on in there?"

Monica loved touching Anastasia's belly, fascinated by the life growing inside. "Ana, your belly is so much bigger than when you were carrying Pattie. Any stretch marks?"

"Nope. Herman got me some cream to keep them at bay," Anastasia said, caressing her belly and eagerly awaiting the little ones' arrival.

"Herman is setting the bar high as the perfect husband," Monica praised. "He's really raised my standards for men. Have you picked out names?"

"Yep. If it's a girl, she'll be Emily. A boy will be Jamie."

"That's so lovely," Monica said enviously. "I'm definitely their godmother. Oh, how's Pattie doing?"

"Everything's great."

Anastasia's life seemed to be heading in a great direction.

Her main focus was ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

After breaking up with Jason, Monica stopped visiting the police station and threw herself into her own business, running a thriving beauty salon.

Jason didn't marry Alisa, but Monica had moved on from caring about that.

Time flew, and soon it was time for Anastasia's final prenatal check-up. Herman was right there with her, supporting her through it all. Everything had been smooth sailing until this last check-up revealed a problem.