The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 986

Jason took a quick shower at the station, changed into clean clothes, and finally headed out. The last thing he wanted was for Monica to see him dirty and banged up.

He picked a long-sleeve shirt to hide the bruises on his arms.

On the way, Jason swung by the store and grabbed Monica’s favorite: chocolate-dipped strawberries. Lately, work had swallowed up all his time—he’d barely managed a meal with Monica, and her texts piled up on his phone, unanswered.

He drove straight to the Franco house. With his fingerprint code, he let himself in. At the door, he paused to straighten his shirt, took a breath, and checked the strawberries—hoping, just this once, to surprise her.

“Monica, I’m home!” he called out.

The house was dark and silent.

Weird. Jason flicked on the lights and glanced at the clock. Past ten, and Monica wasn’t home?

“Monica? Monica?” he called, setting the strawberries down, then walking room to room.

Nothing. The place was empty.

Jason sank onto the couch, pulled out his phone, and tried calling Monica. Maybe she was stuck late at the salon.

The call rang and rang, but she didn’t pick up. Jason’s nerves started to fray. He tried again—still nothing. Growing anxious, he called Anastasia.

—

At the hospital.

Chase’s surgery had just finished, and he’d been wheeled into the ICU. Monica’s whole family followed close behind. Anastasia saw Jason’s call and slipped away to answer.

“Jason?”

“Anastasia, do you know where Monica is? I’ve tried calling—she’s not picking up.”

“She’s at Hope Hospital. Monica’s dad had an accident…”

Anastasia quickly explained. Jason’s face fell. “I’m coming now.”

He grabbed his keys and hurried out.

Thinking back to Monica’s missed calls earlier, it all clicked into place.

She was scared.

“My dad’s busted his back his whole life. Now, when he should be enjoying things, this happens, Ana.” Monica cried, showing Anastasia her most vulnerable side—she didn’t have to pretend to be strong here.

Anastasia’s eyes welled up. “Monica…”

She hugged her tight, trying to offer comfort.

Just then, Jason burst into the waiting area, out of breath. “Monica! How’s your dad?”

Monica heard his voice and straightened, quickly wiping at her cheeks. She was still upset with Jason—her eyes went cold, and she didn’t answer him.

Anastasia felt the tension and quickly found an excuse to leave. “Jason, stay with Monica, okay? Pattie’s still here at the hospital—I’ll go check on her. Monica, I’ll come by tomorrow morning.”

Monica nodded. She understood—Pattie needed company, too.

As she left, Anastasia shot Jason a meaningful look: Don’t mess this up. She needs you.