The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1013

When Pattie passed over the shot put, Layna’s heart skipped a beat, a wave of guilt washing over her. Without thinking, she clung tighter to the shot put in her hands.

Did they find out about the cheating?

The shot puts all looked the same—Layna couldn’t be sure. On the sidelines, Juliana’s smile froze, replaced by a nervous frown. Even Anastasia and Herman traded uneasy looks. Was something off with the shot put?

“I don’t want yours,” Layna snapped, clutching her own ball like a lifeline. “I don’t use stuff you’ve already touched.”

Pattie smirked, egging her on. “Fine, but even if you end up winning, to me, that’s still losing. What’s the matter, scared?”

The tension between the two was obvious. Worried it would blow up, Juliana quickly spoke up to the referee, “Sir, can we start? Paradise, don’t distract my Layna.”

The referee nodded. “Paradise, please step aside. It’s Layna’s turn now.”

But Pattie ignored him, shoved her own shot put into Layna’s arms, and grabbed the one Layna was holding.

Honestly, Pattie was just messing with her. She had no idea there was anything wrong with the balls—until she picked up Layna’s. Something felt off right away.

Realization dawned on Pattie, and she flashed Layna a knowing smile. “Layna, you—”

“I’ll use yours! Whatever!” Layna blurted, terrified Pattie would spill her secret. She didn’t dare try to take the ball back.

Pattie simply grinned. “Good luck, then.”

Layna was so furious she nearly shook with rage.

Juliana watched the scene unfold, thinking, This is bad.

Pattie wandered off and, without making a fuss, slipped the tampered shot put back where it belonged.

The referee stayed quiet. He clearly didn’t want to get involved either.

“Ready…” The whistle blew.

Layna mustered all her strength and hurled the shot put—but it barely made it three meters.

It was obvious she’d lost. She shot Pattie a look that could kill, then stormed away.

Juliana immediately chased after her. “Layna! Wait!”

As long as the kids were happy, that was all that mattered.

If the cheating had come to light, it would have wrecked the event and made everyone upset.

No need to complicate a kids’ sports day.

No way Layna could have bribed the referee herself; it was obvious Juliana was behind it.

The games rolled on. Pattie still had more events ahead.

Layna wasn’t one to give up easily. She sulked in a corner for a bit, then pulled herself together and jumped back into the competition.

She’d lost first place to Pattie, but she was determined to get second no matter what.

Layna’s stubborn streak made Anastasia uneasy. That night, even back at home, Anastasia couldn’t stop thinking about it.