The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 940

Joseph couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

The Walkers were all smiles, making him their godson, but behind the scenes, they kept finding ways to cozy up to Daria. It was obvious—Autumn was here for Daria. But what could a little kid possibly have that made Mr. Walker go out of his way to welcome Joseph into the family?

He turned to Caterina. “When Autumn was with Daria, did she say anything? Mention Julie at all?”

Caterina shook her head. “Mrs. Walker just spoiled Daria—bought her toys, played with her, that’s it. I never heard her bring up Julie.”

“If Autumn ever wants to see Daria again, call me first,” Joseph said, waving her off. “That’s all. You can go.”

Relief washed over Caterina. She almost couldn’t believe Joseph wasn’t going to press the issue.

The truth was, Joseph didn’t want to keep swapping out nannies—Daria was fond of Caterina, and that made things easier. As for whatever Caterina was scheming, Joseph wasn’t blind. He could guess well enough.

Ever since Julie’s passing, Joseph had heard her name pop up more than once—all because of Daria. It suddenly struck him: he’d never asked who had claimed Julie’s body.

—

At a small clinic, Rowan’s wounds had been tended to, but he’d spent the night tossing and turning, the pain making sleep impossible and food unappealing.

Hanna hadn’t rested either. She stayed up all night by his side, refusing to see any other patients. The “Closed” sign hung in the window—she only had energy for Rowan.

That morning, Anastasia pulled up outside, saw the sign, and peeked through the door. “Hello? Ms. Hanna? Anybody home?”

Hanna emerged, a little surprised to see her. She wasn’t thrilled, but after what Anastasia and Herman did to save Rowan, she couldn’t turn her away. She opened the door.

Anastasia came in, arms full of groceries and vitamins. “How’s he doing?”

“He’s a wreck,” Hanna said, exasperated. “Didn’t sleep at all, hurts everywhere, and hasn’t eaten a thing since yesterday. If the pain doesn’t get him, hunger will.”

Anastasia hesitated. “Mind if I check in on him?”

“Go ahead,” Hanna nodded down the hall. “You know the way. I’ll stay out here.”

Anastasia didn’t notice. “If you need anything, just call. And eat something, alright? Food’s important.”

She didn’t really know what else to say, and Rowan just nodded along, quiet as ever.

The silence stretched. Anastasia felt awkward, out of place.

After a moment, she said, “I’ll come by again soon.”

Just as she turned to go, Rowan finally spoke. “Hey… How’s Herman handling all this? Is he really okay with it?”

He knew Anastasia hadn’t been hurt, but he wanted to see if Herman could really accept her, no matter what.

After everything, whatever had been between Anastasia and Herman was gone. She finally felt at peace.

A gentle smile tugged at her lips. “He doesn’t mind. He never cared about my past—he’s always been that way. Honestly, he’s a bit clueless about love. Once he chooses someone, that’s it. I’m lucky to have someone who loves me enough to pull me out of the darkness. Rowan, Hanna’s a good woman. Don’t take her for granted.”