The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia was worried her mom was headed for trouble. She couldn't afford to sit back and wait-she needed to figure out Adam's intentions, and fast.

If Adam genuinely cared for her mother, Anastasia would support them with open arms. But if he was only pretending, he'd have her to answer to.

She already knew Adam's situation. Poverty wasn't the issue-deceit was. If Adam could ignore his sick son just to wine and dine Salma, then something was definitely off.

Salma had set up a lunch at a cozy little diner. Anastasia didn't even bother driving; she just grabbed a cab with her mom. Before Adam arrived, Anastasia quietly slipped off her jewelry. No need to advertise wealth.

After about fifteen minutes, Adam walked in, holding a bouquet of roses and grinning from ear to ear. As soon as he saw Salma, his whole face lit up.

"These are for you, Salma," he said, handing her the flowers.

Salma looked both surprised and shy-this was her first time getting flowers from a man. Anastasia smiled to herself. Women, no matter their age, can't resist a little romance.noveldrama

Salma took the bouquet, flustered. "Oh, Adam, I'm too old for this! But thank you. Here, let me introduce you this is my daughter, Anastasia. Ana, this is Adam."

"Nice to meet you, Adam," Anastasia said politely, standing up and shaking his hand.

Adam wasn't exactly Hollywood-handsome-just an ordinary-looking guy-but he had a warm, approachable air about him.

He grinned. "So this is Ana! You're as beautiful as your mother."

Anastasia almost laughed. No wonder her mom liked him; the man knew how to lay on the charm.

Salma blushed, practically glowing.

Okay, Anastasia thought, now it makes sense why Mom's so smitten-Adam knows exactly what to say.

"Take a seat, Adam," Anastasia said. "I already ordered a few dishes. Mom's been talking about you nonstop, so I was eager to finally meet the guy who makes her so happy."

Adam waved a hand. "At our age, every day counts. No point dwelling on worries. Your mom and I? We're just getting a second chance at being young."

Salma giggled, a bit embarrassed. Anastasia thought, Love isn't just for teenagers -moms can be just as swept away.

With her mother so taken, there was no chance of her seeing Adam clearly. She'd have to be the one to keep her guard up.

Anastasia managed a small smile. "Adam, you seem like a real optimist. So, who else is in your family? It's just Mom and me, so I want to know who she's spending time with. As her daughter, I have to look out for her."

Adam nodded. “Of course, of course. I've got a son and a daughter-both married, living their own lives. Live alone now, have my pension. I'm not rich, but I get by. Money isn't what matters at this age-enjoying life is."

Salma nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Being happy is what's important." Anastasia nearly rolled her eyes. Really? Still head over heels at their age? What's next, living on love alone?

If they were younger, maybe Adam would be a "diamond in the rough." But now? That ship had long sailed.

Adam's answers were all broad strokes "a son and a daughter," but nothing specific.

It sounded like he was answering, but really, he was dodging.

He wanted them to think he was a carefree single guy with enough money to get by, not relying on his kids and not being a burden to them-ready to enjoy his golden years.

If Anastasia hadn't already done her research, she might've believed him.

Turns out Tavon was right-Adam was a little too slick.

Her mother wasn't exactly a catch at this stage, so if Adam wasn't after looks, it

had to be money.

Adam's family needed cash more than anything.

Salma didn't have much herself, but

she did have something else-a

daughter. And Anastasia, as

Geneva's daughter-the wealthiest

woman in Riverdale-definitely

wasn't hurting for money.

Anastasia kept her voice light. "You're lucky to have two kids, Adam. They must

be good to you. What do they do?"

Salma shot her a worried look, as if to say, "Don't push it."

But Anastasia ignored it. If her mom wasn't thinking straight, someone had to.

Adam didn't miss a beat. "My son works construction, my daughter sells produce at the farmer's market. We're not rich, but we make it work. Moneycomes and goes; as long as everyone's healthy and happy, that's what matters."

Anastasia had a feeling that was Adam's honest wish-or maybe just wishful thinking.

He wanted his family healthy, probably because his son was sick.

At that point, Anastasia let the subject drop. There wasn't much truth coming from

Adam anyway.