The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1012

Before the sports day even kicked off, Pattie found out she’d be competing against Layna.

When Anastasia and Herman saw the roster, they exchanged glances—what were the odds?

Wherever Layna competed, Juliana was sure to be there. She showed up with a dainty umbrella, hovering over Layna, fussing over her with water bottles and fruit slices. “Layna, don’t be nervous. Just do your best—you’re definitely going to win first place.” As she said it, Juliana shot a bold, almost smug look toward Anastasia and Herman across the field, like the trophy was already in her bag.

Stretching out her arms and legs, Layna locked eyes with Pattie and told Juliana, “Auntie, I’m totally going to win.”

Pattie was warming up too, while the rest of the kids were off at other events. There were still ten minutes before the shot put started.

“Don’t stress about it, Pattie,” Herman said. “Just enjoy yourself. Sports are about the spirit, not just winning or losing.”

Anastasia chimed in, a little worried Pattie might be feeling the pressure. “Your dad’s right. What matters is showing up and giving it your best—not the score.”

Pattie grinned at them. “So you guys don’t believe in me at all?”

Anastasia and Herman laughed. “We care about you being happy, that’s all,” Herman said.

But Pattie glanced at Layna and said, “If I were up against anyone else, I’d just have fun and not worry about the results. But with Layna? There’s no friendship here. I’m not letting her have first place.”

That settled it—Pattie was in it to win it.

She could be competitive when it mattered. Layna had messed with her stuff before. There was no way Pattie would let her walk away with this win.

The event started soon after.

Before Layna went out, Juliana whispered confidently, “Layna, go for it. First place is yours—I’ve got everything covered.”

Juliana had already had a word with the judges, just to make sure Layna had an edge. When it was Layna’s turn, the staff would give her the lightest shot, making it a breeze for her to throw far.

Layna’s jaw dropped. In practice, her best was three meters, tops.

Still, remembering Juliana’s arrangements, Layna strutted up to the line. “Five point two? Please, Pattie—I’ll throw farther.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wait.” Pattie shrugged, totally unfazed. “Just don’t come crying when it’s over.”

Layna huffed. The staff handed her a shot put—this one was rigged, just for her. It looked the same, but it was only about two pounds. Throwing it far would be a piece of cake.

Layna felt just how light it was the moment she picked it up. She shot Pattie a smug look. “You’ll be the one crying, not me.”

Right as the judge raised the whistle, Pattie suddenly called out, “Wait! Hold on, please!”

She picked up the shot she’d just used and handed it to Layna. “Let’s both use this one. That’s fair, right?”