The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Autumn seethed with bitterness-if she could, she'd take down the entire Salstrom family for what they did to Julie.

Devin cautioned her, "Swallow, you need to be careful. Herman isn't easy to deal with. He's already figured out our connection. If he keeps digging and Mr. Walker finds out Julie is our daughter, this could get ugly for you. I want justice for Julie too, but we can't go at this head-on. Herman's way too slippery."

Right now, Autumn was his only hope he couldn't risk anything happening to her.

"I know what I'm doing," Autumn said, grabbing her purse. "I'm heading home."

Her heart was pounding. She'd betrayed Mr. Walker, and if he ever found out, that would be the end of their marriage.

After Autumn left, Devin glanced at the crushed flowers and smashed gift box on the floor. He picked them up and tossed them in the trash.

He hadn't used the condoms the hotel had sent earlier. At his age, he wasn't worried about "surprises"-he didn't believe Autumn could possibly get pregnant now anyway.

When Autumn got home and saw the car in the driveway, her heart skipped a beat.

Mr. Walker was back.

Nerves jangling, she hurried upstairs. As she walked into the bedroom, Mr. Walker stepped out of the bathroom, toweling off.

Despite his busy work schedule, Mr. Walker always made time for himself: checkups every few months, a daily half-hour workout. He was over fifty but still kept in great shape-broad-shouldered, with muscles to show for it.

There was something about a man who aged well. Mr. Walker had that polished, sophisticated look in a suit, but take the shirt off and he was all strength. Devin, on the other hand, was soft around the edges-a big belly, not a muscle on him. Next to Mr. Walker, the difference was night and day.

Still, love is blind. To Autumn, Devin was more attractive, maybe because he was her first love.

First loves have a way of sticking with you, no matter what.

"Swallow, you're home," Mr. Walker greeted her with a smile. "Let me run you a bath."

Autumn avoided his eyes as she slipped off her coat. "No need tonight," she said quickly. "I already showered before I went out. I'm tired—I'm just going to sleep."

Guilt weighed heavy on her, and she couldn't meet his gaze.

Mr. Walker asked casually, "You're back late. Where'd you go?"

He wasn't grilling her, just making conversation.

"Just grabbed a late bite with friends," Autumn said, brushing him off. "You should get some sleep-you've got to get up early for work."

She clearly didn't want to chat, so Mr. Walker didn't push. If anything, he was happy that Autumn had friends in Riverdale-it meant she wasn't bored or lonely.

He watched her slide into bed, then climbed in beside her.

He'd had a few drinks and was in a good mood. Plus, Autumn looked especially flushed tonight, her cheeks glowing. Mr. Walker put an arm around her. "Swallow..."

His meaning couldn't have been more obvious.

He had no idea his wife's glow came from someone else's arms just hours before.

Autumn knew exactly what he

wanted, but she was already spent and more than a little uncomfortable. She gently pushed his hand away and rolled over. "Let's just sleep. I'm tired."

Her rejection stung, but Mr. Walker didn't press her. "Alright. Get some rest."

He didn't notice anything amiss, just turned over and went to sleep.

Back to back, they lay side by side-sharing a bed but lost in their own thoughts.

Autumn's mind wouldn't settle. She tossed and turned until the first light of morning crept through the window.

...noveldrama

Before she knew it, Pattie's birthday had arrived.

The party went on as planned. Early that morning, the hair and makeup team showed up to get Pattie ready. She wore a pastel green princess dress@nd a sparkling tiara, looking like a little fairy who'd just fluttered down from a storybook.

At eight years old, Pattie was already tall and graceful. Anastasia felt a surge of

pride just looking at her.

"Honey, you look absolutely beautiful today," she beamed.

Monica showed up at Southridge

Estates bright and early. The moment she saw Pattie, she grabbed her hand with a grin. "You really are the gold standard, Pattie! Come here-let your godmother get a hug and soak up some fairy magic. Maybe I'll get lucky and have a daughter as gorgeous as you someday!"

Anastasia teased, "Wow, already planning for a baby? Does this mean we'll be

toasting you and Jason at your wedding soon?"