The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Clarissa didn't pay any mind to Malia's expression as she greeted her with enthusiasm, "Malia, it's been ages! You look younger every time I see you. It must be because you don't have any worries keeping you up at night. Look at me, always stressed about Jason, and I'm aging fast. Just look, crow's feet and a few grays already."

The message was clear: Malia didn't have a son to worry about. Clarissa was a pro at using her words like a gentle jab.

They say you can't hit a smiling face, but Malia was caught off guard. She felt like she'd swallowed a fly but kept her composure.

Clarissa continued her smooth tactics, offering Malia a cake. "Just a little something from me. Hope I'm not being a bother by dropping by unannounced. You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all, come on in and take a seat," Malia replied, her smile hiding the irritation beneath.

Malia wasn't one to back down either. She smiled back and said, "We're all family here. No need for formalities. I was just thinking about having Alisa call you over for dinner. It's always livelier with family around."

By "family," she meant that Alisa and Jason were a pair, hinting that their families would eventually unite.

Their conversation was a verbal chess match, polite on the surface but with layers of tension underneath.

Jason, usually great at solving puzzles, struggled to keep up with their pace.

Truly, where there are women, there's a battlefield.

Round one between Malia and Clarissa ended in a stalemate.

As Clarissa walked in, Alisa emerged from the kitchen, apron on, smiling warmly. "Oh, Auntie's here! Jason, everyone, please sit down. Dinner's almost ready."

Although Alisa and Clarissa had once clashed, Alisa knew she had to keep things friendly today.

Clarissa, with a grin, said, "Malia, you're lucky to have such a capable daughter- in-law. Alisa is a real gem-not showy, but dutiful. Women like her are rare these days."

Then, pulling Alisa closer with mock warmth, Clarissa added, "Alisa, you've been single for a while now. Time to think about your future. The kids need a father. How about I introduce you to someone? There's a handsome guy in our town, tall and charming, with a big farm. He's getting divorced soon, has a son. He'd be perfect for you. Once he's divorced, I'll set you two up."

Clarissa had taken on the role of matchmaker, making it clear she wasn't in favor of Alisa and Jason being together.

Her words made everyone in the Brown family visibly uncomfortable.

Daniel walked in just in time to catch this, his face darkening.

Jason, getting the hint from his mom, tried to ease the mood. "Mom, why don't we all sit down and eat first?"

"Alright, everyone, take a seat. Malia, Daniel, come on, let's have dinner

Clarissa said as she found her spot

at the table. "Oh, where's Islan

Just then, Isla came bounding out of her room, happily calling Jason, "Papa

Jason!"

Clarissa quickly corrected with a smile, "Isla, you meant to say Uncle."

The Brown family members looked even more displeased.

Jason didn't step in, letting his mom carry on with her antics.

Clarissa's visit was clearly meant to remind the Brown family not to get any ideas about Alisa and Jason.

To her, Alisa, a divorced woman, was only fit for someone in a similar situation.

Isla, puzzled, asked, "But Papa Jason said I could call him that!"

"We mustn't get things mixed up, dear. Your uncle isn't married yet. How will he find a wife in the future?" Clarissa chuckled, handing Isla a little envelope. "Here, sweetheart. Happy birthday and may you always be happy."

Clarissa knew how to play her cards. Just as she stirred up trouble, she soothed it

with a gift, like a slap followed by a sweet treat.

Alisa protested, "Auntie, we can't accept this. You shouldn't spoil her."

Clarissa, with a knowing smile,

replied, "Take it. Jason's given plenty over the years. Look how well Isla's

baised, such a lovely

girb"

The implication being that Jason had been financially supporting the Brown family

all this time.

Every word from Clarissa was a veiled jab, leaving the Brown family feeling quite uncomfortable.noveldrama