The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 964

As soon as Anastasia walked in, Autumn felt her nerves tighten.

Katelyn greeted Anastasia with a warm, beaming smile, reaching out to take her hand. Watching them together, you’d think they were real mother and daughter.

Truth be told, Katelyn was a good person—so long as no one riled her up or got gossiping in her ear. Nobody’s perfect, after all.

Even the happiest couples have their moments—times when you want to throttle your spouse, or at least daydream about divorce once or twice (or a hundred times).

But today, Katelyn was all smiles, ready for introductions. “Ana, let me introduce you. This is Wendy, and here’s Mrs. Lee…”

Anastasia nodded and greeted everyone politely. There were just too many ladies in this circle for her to know them all.

She and Monica found seats and settled in with the rest of the wives’ club.

Little Daria was content to sit on Anastasia’s lap, quietly taking in the grown-up conversation.

Most of Autumn’s attention was on Daria—she seemed distracted, lost in thought.

Monica, who ran her own beauty shop, was perfectly in her element. She was soon chatting about skincare secrets, making everyone laugh, and fitting right in.

Then Monica turned the spotlight on Autumn. “Mrs. Walker, your skin looks amazing! But, ladies, do you all know the real secret to staying young and glowing?”

Mrs. Lee and Wendy leaned in, eager for gossip. “What’s the secret?”

Katelyn piped up, “Come on, Monica, don’t keep us in suspense!”

Women and beauty—some things never change. They’ll spend anything if it means looking good.

Anastasia could tell Monica was about to stir the pot, so she just sat back and watched.

Monica put on her most dramatic voice. “The real secret is… men!”

The older ladies burst out laughing.

At their age, talking about men was more fun than scandalous.

Let’s be honest—if anyone ever leaked the chats between best friends, someone would be ruined. Random screenshots could end careers or marriages. If disaster struck, job one would be deleting the group chat—can’t let the receipts survive you.

Mrs. Lee wiped away a tear of laughter. “Monica, you’re hilarious. I love how direct you are.”

Wendy grinned. “She’s not wrong, you know. A woman needs a little TLC from her man.”

Anastasia and Monica exchanged glances—these were the kind of friends you needed for a spicy conversation.

Autumn forced an awkward smile. “Oh, um… it’s fine, I guess.”

Mrs. Lee waved her hand. “Come on, we’re all adults here. My husband’s in his fifties and still going strong—four times a month like clockwork! Not bad, right?”

Wendy looked impressed. “Mrs. Lee, your Mr. Lee is still got it!”

The conversation was getting bolder by the minute.

Just then, Mr. Walker wandered over, checking on his wife. “What are you ladies chatting about?”

Monica didn’t miss a beat. “Mr. Walker, we were just saying how Mrs. Walker looks so radiant. A good husband is the best beauty secret! She’s lucky to have you.”

Mr. Walker froze, caught off guard, realizing he’d walked into something he didn’t want to know about.

If he’d had any idea, he’d have steered clear.

Autumn’s mind was spinning—because she and Mr. Walker hadn’t shared a bed in ages.