The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Gianna, cornered and unable to hide her secret any longer, stammered, "It's... it's from Herman. He gave it to me." Anastasia had suspected as much, but the confirmation still hit her like a punch to the gut.

Her own cousin had feelings for her ex-husband.

Anastasia's tone sharpened, verging on aggressive, "Why on earth would he give you something so personal?"

Gianna's eyes darted away, guilt written all over her flushed face, "I... we..."

Gianna was too ashamed to admit how she came by the handkerchief because that would mean confessing her unrequited crush on Herman, her self-delusional affection.

The atmosphere in the private dining room grew tense and awkward until Cynthia tried to lighten the mood, "Anastasia, don't you know what it means when a man gives a woman a personal gift? You and Herman are divorced, so it's none of your business who he's into now. Besides, it's better to keep things in the family, right? If Gianna marries into the Salstroms, we're all still kin."

Cynthia's words were a masterclass in diplomacy.

Anastasia, however, remained unplacated. Her gaze was icy as she turned to Cynthia, "Auntie, did you know about Gianna and Herman's fling all along?"

Cynthia, feeling the weight of Anastasia's stare, forced a smile and said, "It's no big deal. We're all about free love these days, aren't we? Gianna's single, Herman's single. Loving someone isn't a crime."

It was in that moment that Anastasia saw the true colors of Gianna and her family.

Clutching the handkerchief, Anastasia's eyes blazed with betrayal as she confronted Gianna, "When did you fall for him? Your Forever Cafe was just a blatant hint of your undying love for Herman, wasn't it? We weren't even divorced then-he was still my husband. Gianna, I treated you like family, and this is how you repay me? Pining after my husband? It's disgusting. Hypocritical."

Gianna's face turned deathly pale, unable to meet Anastasia's gaze, "Anastasia, I..."

"Let's go, Pattie." Anastasia couldn't stand another moment there. She grabbed Pattie's hand and headed for the door.

Gianna, unable to contain her emotions, blurted out, "What's so wrong about loving Herman? Anastasia, love can't be controlled. If he's such a catch, why can't I fall for him?"noveldrama

Anastasia paused, turning back to face Gianna with an impassive expression.

Gianna continued, "I've loved him, and it never interfered with you two. I didn't do anything to wreck your marriage. And, my eight-year marriage to Joey Edmunds? I never once knew what it felt like to be cherished. That day at your place, seeing him be so gentle with you, laughing and cooking together in the kitchen... I was so envious..."

By the end, Gianna seemed to feel a sense of relief.

Her secret crush was out in the open.

No more hiding.

"So, it was me who let the wolf in," Anastasia said with a sardonic chuckle. "Gianna, the Herman you fell for is the one who was kind to me. You really are pitiful."

Her casual remark hit Gianna like a slap because Anastasia was right. The version of Herman that Gianna loved was all based on his tenderness towards Anastasia.

After the divorce, that gentle Herman was gone.

He was cold to everyone.

Without another word, Anastasia walked out with Pattie.

Salma rushed over, running into Anastasia in the hallway. Seeing her daughter heading out, Salma asked in confusion, "Ana, where are you going? It's your aunt's birthday."

"Mom, let's go home," Anastasia replied. "We'll talk at home."

Salma, completely baffled, still offered her gift with a smile, "Cynthia, happy birthday. Sorry, I'm late."

Cynthia, clearly upset, didn't accept the gift. She said sarcastically, "Little sister, you sure raised a fine daughter, turning my birthday party upside down. All I did was invite you folks over as a gesture of goodwill, and this is what happens." "What happened?" Salma asked, clueless as she looked between Anastasia and Cynthia.

Anastasia frowned, "Mom, we'll talk at home."

Looking up at her grandmother, Pattie chimed in, "Grandma, cousin Gianna likes Dad."