The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Collin Witt and Flynn O'Sullivan climbed into the truck, the engine roaring to life as Flynn punched the destination into the GPS. They were headed to the old reservoir on the outskirts of town.

As the truck rumbled down the road, Collin glanced at the GPS and blurted out, "You don't think Herman's gone off the deep end, do you? He's not about to do something drastic like dive into the reservoir, right?"

"Quit being such a buzzkill, man," Flynn snapped, his foot heavy on the pedal. "My brother's not the suicidal type. Look, Maggie's stuck at the station, and he wouldn't do that to her. Whenever he's got something eating at him, he heads to the reservoir. It's like his sanctuary, you know? And with all the crap that's been raining down on him, I bet he's just trying to clear his head."

Collin exhaled deeply, "Man, the weight he's carrying... even the strongest steel bends, you know? Now with Aunt Anita passing and all this mess... You think Herman's out for blood, for what Anastasia did?"

It was like Flynn had been handed the world's most twisted riddle, one that made the 'save your wife or your mother from drowning' conundrum look like child's play.

"I dunno, Collin. I seriously don't," Flynn muttered, shaking his head.

Collin probed, "But what's your take on it, Flynn?"

Another shake of the head. "What's there to think? It's an unsolvable puzzle."

Collin agreed, saying, "Deep down, you don't want anything to happen to Anastasia, right? Objectively speaking, with Aunt Anita gone and Anastasia having turned herself in, confessing to her crimes... The only shot at a lighter sentence is if the O'Sullivans issue a statement of forgiveness. Even then, she could be looking at a decade or two behind bars."

Flynn's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. "I don't know what's gotten into the O'Sullivans, man. Everything used to be cool. Ever since Granny came back from her trip down South, she's been on Anastasia like a witch on a hunt, hell-bent on tearing her and my brother apart. I heard she even tried to drug Herman, playing matchmaker with him and Julie Brown. I never expected Granny to go after Maggie. And Maggie snapping? Yeah, I saw that one coming. I bet Herman did too." Collin was stunned. "Aunt Anita drugged Herman? Has the whole family lost their marbles?"

Flynn let out a cynical laugh. "Which of the O'Sullivans isn't crazy right now? Dad's shouting about taking Maggie to court, and Herman's warning him from behind bars not to lay a finger on her. The family's a hot mess, everyone's lost it."

Collin threw in a word of caution, "With the O'Sullivans in turmoil, keep your guard up, Flynn. Don't let those bastards out there take advantage."

Flynn snorted, "Joseph O'Sullivan? That guy doesn't stand a chance against Herman. Remember the factory fire in Shanghai? With the goods torched, Joseph tried to cut in, but ended up getting played by Herman. Sure, Elysian Tech took a hit, but we survived. Joseph ended up shouldering most of the fallout." Collin was impressed. "Nobody can play the game like Herman."

As they continued their conversation, the truck pulled up near the reservoir. From a distance, they could see a lone figure standing by the water's edge, lost in thought.

Flynn parked swiftly, and they got out, rushing toward the solitary figure of Herman.

Herman stood there, clad only in a light sweater, buffeted by the cold winds that tousled his hair. Relieved to find him unharmed, Flynn and Collin slowed their pace, approaching him with cautious steps.

They positioned themselves on either side of him, ready to hold him back should he suddenly decide to leap into the icy waters.

Herman didn't even glance at them as they arrived; his gaze was fixed on the horizon, his expression dark and resolute.

"Big bro," Flynn said, turning to Herman. "The O'Sullivans are all at the family hall, baying for Maggie's blood, demanding you press charges and give them an explanation."noveldrama

Herman had expected as much, remaining silent. Collin patted his shoulder, offering a brotherly gesture of support. "I get where you're at, Herman. Whatever you decide, I've got your back."

As the head of the O'Sullivan clan, Herman was expected to provide answers to his kin.

Ever since he took the reins of Elysian Tech, there had been whispers of discontent, and now, with the family in crisis, it was like blood in the water for the sharks circling him. If Herman couldn't satisfy their thirst for vengeance, his authority would crumble, and he would lose their allegiance.

Herman took a step forward, his brow furrowed, and spoke with a heavy heart, "Anastasia had a severe bout of depression a few years back, bad enough that it messed with her mind. The loss of our child brought it all rushing back. When she... did what she did, she wasn't in control. Within the hour, the psychiatric hospital will issue a statement confirming her mental instability."

Flynn and Collin exchanged incredulous looks. They were not shocked to hear about Anastasia's past struggles with depression; it was Herman's decision that left them speechless.