The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The three of them were tangled in their own secret schemes. Julie was plotting ways to get rid of Anastasia, who in turn was trying to prove she was the real Julie. Monica's role was to keep Anastasia safe.noveldrama

After enjoying some cake and with a bit of persuasion from Anastasia and Monica, Julie found herself tagging along to Monica's beauty salon.

During the walk, Julie was on high alert, taking in everything around her. As they climbed the stairs, she eyed Anastasia ahead of her, tempted by the thought of a well-timed shove down the stairs. The height alone could spell disaster for Anastasia and her unborn children. Monica stayed close, helping Anastasia navigate the steps. The pregnancy made it tough for Anastasia to move around easily, and she tired quickly.

Impatience gnawed at Julie as she waited for the right moment to make her move. Anastasia's large belly, carrying twins, only fueled her dark thoughts of a knife strike.

Anastasia's outings had become rare since she got pregnant, leaving Julie with few opportunities to act. With more than six months gone, she felt the pressure of time running out.

"Leonora, over here," Anastasia's voice broke through Julie's thoughts as she realized she'd taken a wrong turn.

Back on track, Julie hurried to catch up.

Monica's beauty salon was impressive, with three floors. The first floor offered basic care, the second was all about full-body treatments and wellness, and the third was for cosmetic surgeries like eyelid lifts, nose jobs, and more.

"I've set up a deluxe suite for you," Monica told them. "There are three spa baths inside. Feel free to relax; a beautician will be with you soon for further treatments."

Anastasia, familiar with the place, led the way into the suite. Monica stepped away for a moment.

Julie seized the opportunity to follow Anastasia eagerly into the room.

The suite was decked out with sofas and treatment beds.

"Make yourself comfortable, Leonora," Anastasia said.

"Sure thing," Julie replied, watching as Anastasia approached the spa bath. She battled the urge to push her in, knowing it wouldn't accomplish anything and would give her away.

Monica soon returned with a beautician who prepared a hand bath filled with rose petals and essential oils.

"Just a few minutes here, and then we'll move on to the facial treatment," Monica explained.

Anastasia chuckled, "You're really treating us today. Are you running a charity?"

"It's nothing," Monica shrugged, sitting beside Anastasia, staying vigilant. Their chat turned to Julie, with Monica asking, "Has the police caught Julie yet? It's been over a year." Anastasia played along, "Julie's clever. Probably skipped the country."

Julie, listening in, kept quiet.

Monica added, "Justice is inevitable. Even if she went to the moon, they'd bring her back. From a socialite to a fugitive, it's karma."

Those words stung Julie, rekindling her anger.

She blamed Anastasia for turning her life upside down.

As Anastasia dried her hands, she remarked, "Evil deeds catch up with you," casting a glance at Leonora (Julie) to see her reaction.

Julie hid her feelings well, feigning interest, "Who are you guys talking about?"

Julie never saw herself as wrong. Her frustration was with the world for not siding with her. She envied Anastasia's protection under Herman, while she felt abandoned, having mistakenly trusted Asher, only to be betrayed. Anastasia casually responded, "Someone you wouldn't know."

"It's time for your facial," Monica announced, guiding them to lie down for their treatment, starting with a warm compress followed by a mask.

Julie, familiar with the routine, suspected nothing was amiss. As she lay there, plotting against Anastasia, she gradually drifted into sleep.