The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

For decades, their love had been rock-solid, but suddenly, it shattered like a cliffside giving way. Anastasia was getting cold feet about marriage. If Katelyn and Feiman, who had kids to anchor them, could fall apart, what chance did she and Herman have?

Could they really make it through the long haul without breaking?

Katelyn was quiet for a while after hearing Anastasia's worries, wrestling with the same question herself. After thinking it over, Katelyn finally said, "A guy who messes up is like money dropped in a pile of manure. It's a waste to leave it, but picking it up means dealing with

the stink."noveldrama

Anastasia was stumped for a reply.

Katelyn went on, "Ana, every marriage is its own story. Don't let my failed one scare you. It wasn't the marriage that failed; it was the love. And that, you can totally trust Herman with."

Anastasia smiled, "I trust him completely."

She realized Katelyn didn't need comforting; she already knew the score.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, September had arrived. In the meantime, Katelyn moved to Southridge Estates, putting things on ice with Feiman.

Tavon was getting better, moving from needing help to walking on his own. The police were still searching for Julie with no luck. Asher had gone all out to help Julie disappear, getting her a new face from a top plastic surgeon.

Gianna was out of the hospital, but her face was permanently scarred. No surgery could bring her old look back. She couldn't stand to look in the mirror or go outside. Her beloved Forever Cafe had closed, and she spent her days hiding away, her thoughts growing darker. The night before the wedding.

The whole town was buzzing about the big event. Even Sandy from Willowbrook was envious of Anastasia. Watching Herman on TV, Sandy mumbled to herself, "Anastasia really lucked out."

Since recovering, Sandy had plenty of admirers, but none caught her interest. Sean came downstairs, seeing Sandy glued to the TV. "Sis, why are you staring at Herman like that?"

"That guy's going to be our brother-in-law. Gotta get a good look," Sandy said. "I have to admit, Anastasia is really lucky."

"I think Herman's the blind one for picking Anastasia. What's so special about her?" Sean scoffed. "She's got a messy past, just like her mom. If it weren't for them, our family wouldn't be in this mess. By the way, heard Dad's doing better. Should we visit him in Riverdale?" "He's our dad; of course, we should," Sandy agreed, surprised Tavon had recovered. She wanted to see for herself, worried her attempt on his life might be discovered.

Sandy was sure her plan was foolproof, and Tavon had no idea.

"But sis, what if Dad takes back the company and gives it to that woman? All our work would be for nothing," Sean said, concerned.

"That's why we need to visit Dad, feel out what he's thinking," Sandy said, a hint of malice in her eyes. "Let's hope he doesn't let us down."

At Southridge Estates, Anastasia was too excited to sleep. Her wedding was the next day, and it felt unreal. She and Herman were really getting married.

He wanted her to have a grand entrance into the Salstrom family, a promise he was keeping. Traditionally, the bride and groom shouldn't see each other the night before the wedding, so Herman was staying at Salstrom Manor. Monica, worried Anastasia might be nervous, came over to keep her company. Wearing a bathrobe, Monica put on a goofy grin. "Sweetheart, tonight you're all mine. Come here, darling," she teased, lunging playfully at Anastasia. Anastasia laughed, "Thank goodness you're a girl. If you were a guy, you'd never get married being that creepy. Just the thought gives me the chills."