The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Cynthia's voice was dripping with fake sympathy, and her face showed concern, but to anyone listening, her words had a totally different vibe.

She was basically hinting that Anastasia had been rather reckless before marriage, having a kid out of wedlock and not even knowing who the father was.

Cynthia's vague gossip made people who didn't know Anastasia well think the worst of her. The rumors spread like wildfire, making Anastasia look like a woman of questionable morals. The society ladies gasped, "We've never heard such a thing!"

"That kid must be what, five or six by now? So she had a child while still in school?"

Cynthia quickly added more fuel to the fire: "Exactly, my niece got pregnant as soon as she started college. And she didn't even finish her degree; she got expelled."

Expelled from college?

The ladies whispered among themselves, shocked at the bride's supposed behavior. Cynthia, pleased with herself, moved on to her next target, spreading more scandalous stories about Anastasia.

The auspicious hour hadn't arrived yet. Herman, having met his bride, was busy greeting guests in the front hall, while Anastasia waited in a private room.

Herman was all smiles, unfazed even as guests teased him. He laughed and handed out cash-filled envelopes to the kids asking for a 'wedding bonus.'

Such a cheerful Herman was a rare sight in their circles.

Among the mingling guests, a portly man approached Herman, his arm linked with a lady. "Mr. Salstrom, congrats! You're looking sharp today," he said with a straightforward, honest face. Herman smiled, "Mr. Jarod, thank you."noveldrama

The woman on Mr. Jarod's arm was none other than Julie.

Someone teased, "Switched up your date again, huh? She's quite the catch."

Mr. Jarod beamed, introducing her, "This is Ms. Kayleigh, she's in medical equipment sales. If anyone needs anything, Kayleigh's your go-to person."

Julie, poised and graceful, added, "Pleasure to meet you all. Mr. Salstrom, wishing you a blissful marriage. May you and Mrs. Salstrom have a long, happy life and lots of children."

Her comment about children was a jab at the sensitive spot between Herman and Anastasia.

Herman's brow furrowed for a moment. After her transformation, Julie was practically unrecognizable - her voice, looks, demeanor, everything had changed. He didn't realize it was the same Julie from his past. "Thank you," Herman said warmly.

Julie didn't hang around Herman, wary of revealing her true identity.

After making her rounds with Mr. Jarod, Julie quietly played the role of arm candy beside him. Meanwhile, Feiman was busy helping with the guests when Joseph arrived fashionably late.

Feiman chided him, "Why are you just getting here now? The ceremony's about to start."

"It hasn't started yet, has it?" Joseph replied nonchalantly, dripping with indifference, "It's not my wedding. Why should I be early?"

Not wanting to spoil the mood, Feiman let it go and continued welcoming the guests.

Joseph grabbed a glass of red wine and scanned the venue for attractive women. His gaze landed on Julie. Her tall figure and fair, slender legs caught his eye.

Approaching her, Joseph schmoozed with Mr. Jarod, "Changed your arm candy, I see. She's a looker."

Mr. Jarod chuckled, "Much appreciated. This is Kayleigh, she's in medical equipment."

Julie had no desire to interact with Joseph; his presence alone filled her with disgust and resentment.

Oblivious to Julie's inner thoughts, Joseph kept his usual playboy demeanor, laughing as he moved to embrace her and sneakily pinched her behind.

"Nice feel," he whispered provocatively in her ear.

Julie barely contained her urge to shove Joseph away, fearful that he might have recognized her.