The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 980

When the anesthesia wore off, Pattie slowly came to. Her throat felt raw, burning with every breath—like she’d swallowed shards of glass. She couldn’t speak, not even a whisper; even swallowing was almost impossible.

Every attempt to swallow felt like forcing down razor blades. The pain brought tears to her eyes, and Herman and Anastasia stood by, looking utterly helpless.

Herman crouched beside her, his voice gentle and reassuring. “Pattie, the surgery went perfectly. Just hang in there a little longer, okay? Once the bandages come off, you’ll be able to talk again. You’re our superstar, aren’t you?”

Anastasia leaned in and stroked Pattie’s hair. “Mom and Dad are right here, sweetheart. Don’t be scared. You’re the bravest girl I know.”

Pattie managed a watery nod, determination shining through her tears.

Right now, Anastasia didn’t care about anything outside that hospital room. All she wanted was to help Pattie through the rough days ahead, longing for the moment she’d hear her little girl call her “Mom” again.

Everything else faded to the background—including Asher. Anastasia updated Rowan: Asher was beyond saving. He’d confessed to assaulting Julie, and that alone would be enough to lock him up for three years.

She texted Hanna, telling her to get Rowan out of Riverdale as soon as possible.

***

Willowbrook.

By the time Tavon arrived at the hospital, night had already fallen.

He’d waited until Geneva and Thomas had left—he wasn’t about to risk bumping into the Stantons. They’d probably rip him apart.

Inside the room, only Sean and Sandy remained.

Tavon pushed open the door, and both kids looked up. Sean’s face was tight with anger, his words sharp. “Mom ends up like this and you couldn’t even bother to come back? Dad, look at her—this is all your fault.”

Ashley lay motionless in the bed, a ventilator keeping her alive. The doctors had said there was no hope—she was in a coma, no chance of waking up.

Tavon searched Sandy’s face but saw nothing—no sadness, no tears.

Sean’s anger only grew. He pointed a shaking finger at Tavon. “You ruined this family. Mom was with you over twenty years. She went to Riverdale, came back, and then this—did you say something to her?”

Tavon felt a dull ache deep in his chest. Twenty years of marriage—he wasn’t made of stone. He hurt, too.

“Sean, leave us,” Tavon said, face rigid. “I need to talk to your sister.”

“What do you want now? The Mortons are finished, Mom’s gone, Sandy’s sick, and you’re still only thinking about yourself?” Sean shot back, voice trembling.

“Out.” Tavon glared, grabbing Sean by the arm and pushing him out before shutting the door.

He turned to Sandy, his eyes steely. “Did you have something to do with your mother’s death? She was too proud to jump out a window in her pajamas, hair a mess. None of it makes sense.”