The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Cynthia panicked when Pattie started to cry, worried it would attract attention. She snapped, "Why are you yelling? I saw a bug in your hair and was just trying to help you get it out. You act like I'm hurting you!" Cynthia had pulled out a large chunk of Pattie's hair, leaving her scalp red and sore. Pattie couldn't stop crying from the pain.

"Pattie, what's going on?" Anastasia's voice echoed down from upstairs.

Feeling guilty, Cynthia bolted without even a word, faster than a scared rabbit.

When Anastasia came downstairs, Cynthia was already gone.

"Pattie, why are you crying?" Anastasia rushed over, her voice filled with concern.noveldrama

"Mommy, it hurts." Pattie held her head.

Anastasia gently moved Pattie's hand and gasped, "What happened? Who did this?"

The missing patch of hair and reddened scalp made it clear.

Pattie sobbed, "It was Aunt Cynthia. She said she was getting a bug, but it hurt so much when she pulled."

Anastasia noticed Cynthia had vanished and felt both anger and confusion about her visit.

"Let's clean this up, sweetie. It'll feel better soon."

After taking care of Pattie, Anastasia went to find Salma to ask about Cynthia's visit.

Salma explained, "She was just here to complain about Gianna and her issues with your great-uncle. She was in tears, poor thing."

Anastasia asked, "Did she say anything else?"

"No," Salma replied, puzzled. "Ana, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing." Anastasia couldn't figure out Cynthia's motives.

Salma hesitated before speaking, "Ana, with your wedding date set, are you really sure about this?"

Salma felt uneasy, recalling a past failed marriage, and worried this one might not go smoothly either, especially given the vast difference in social status between the two families.

Anastasia walked to the window, watching the light rain outside, and spoke with a hint of sadness, "Mom, the closer the wedding gets, the more anxious I become. The inequality in social status does make me feel inferior, but I love him. If I miss out on him, I know I'll never find another man who I love and who loves me.'

Anastasia felt a complex mix of emotions. Ever since the wedding date had been set, Katelyn had been consulting her on the details, showing her nothing but respect, which only added to her guilt.

Salma sighed, "Ana, I just want you to be happy. I used to think matching social standing was crucial, but now I believe if a couple isn't harmonious, even a perfect match won't last. Remember, I'm always here for you. We can't be afraid of those who are better off, right?" "Mom." Anastasia laughed. "Speaking of which, I'll go find Monica to deliver the wedding invitation in person."

Even though she had made electronic invitations, Anastasia wanted to hand-deliver one to Monica, along with a thoughtful gift.

Monica was the only one she felt deserved such a personal gesture.

The rain stopped after a while, and evening had set in.

Driving to Monica's place, Anastasia had access through the Franco family's biometric security system.

Upon entering, she called out, "Monica? Monica?"

Setting down her things, Anastasia went to look in the bedroom, which is when the door swung open.

Monica was wrapped in a blanket, wielding a stick like a weapon.

Anastasia was taken aback, "Monica, what on earth are you doing?"

"I thought you were a burglar." Monica patted her chest, relieved. "You scared me to death. Jason got me involved in a case, and we've just cracked a gruesome family murder. It's been nightmares ever since."

"A family murder?" Anastasia said. "If it scares you, don't go on those calls. It's not safe, especially for a woman alone."

Monica, still wrapped in her blanket, sat cross-legged on the couch and recounted, "This case was brutal-a real tragedy. Imagine intestines pulled out... I've been so queasy, I can barely eat. And guess who the killer was? Their own daughter. Brutal. She axed her whole family, then ended up dead herself. At first, the police had no leads, but then they found the daughter among the victims."

Anastasia handed Monica the invitation, hoping to bring a moment of joy to her friend's haunted evening.