The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Monica's voice was light and cheerful. "Yep, he's settled the whole Alisa thing. There was never anything between them-it was all her playing games."

"So he really handled it?" Anastasia laughed, sounding relieved. "Good. I won't hold you up, then. Let's do dinner this weekend-bring Jason, too."

"Absolutely, I'll let him know."

Monica hung up just as Jason walked over.

"All done? Any leads?" she asked.

Jason brushed a hand through his hair. "Victim's twenty-five, dressed up, found out past the city limits. One stab, right to the chest. Looks like someone she knew -no signs she even tried to fight back."

Monica mused, "Maybe she was meeting her boyfriend and it went bad? Crime of passion? If so, checking her friends and contacts should point us to the killer."

"If only it were that simple," Jason said. "But it doesn't line up with the serial case. Still, whoever did this used the same method. Maybe a copycat."

Normally, Jason would have Monica take a look at the scene her instincts were uncanny. But this time, the body had been soaking in water all night. The sight was enough to haunt anyone's dreams. He didn't want her anywhere near it.

"You'll catch them, I know it," Monica grinned. "So, dinner?"

"You were talking to Anastasia?"

"Nothing gets by you, Detective," Monica teased. "Ana wants to take us out this weekend to thank you for helping her with Herman. But tonight, my treat-how about sushi?"

He shook his head. "Not a big sushi fan. Let's get hotpot instead." Jason called a quick goodbye to his coworkers, then naturally took Monica's hand. "Come on- tonight, you're finally meeting my mom."

Monica didn't seem fazed at all-just joked, "Wow, no pressure, huh?"

"Mom's been after me ever since she found out we're back together," Jason said, smiling. "She wants to meet you, officially, as my girlfriend. Then she'll finally relax. Monica, I know I dragged things out before and hurt you. From now on, I'm not letting go."

Monica felt a little floaty. "Why do you suddenly sound like Herman? That's so sappy."

Jason, who used to be all business and zero romance, grinned. "Watching Herman and Anastasia made me realize how important it is to value the people you love."

Monica brightened. "Alright, let's go eat. By the way, do you think your mom will give me a welcome gift? Big red envelope? Family heirloom?"

Jason laughed. "When did you get so money-hungry?"

Only Monica could get away with saying things like that, and Jason loved her for it -she was honest, never hiding anything.

"I didn't bring your mom a gift. If she gives me something, I'll feel bad."

"You already gave her the best gift-free treatments at your spa. She's glowing these days. My dad's getting jealous, always asking where she is and what she's doing.

Honestly, I've never seen my mom so fond of anyone I've dated.”

"That's because she has great taste," Monica said with a wink. "I like her, too. If we'd met twenty years earlier, we'd probably be best friends by now."

Monica had been in the real world from a young age, running her own beauty business, meeting all kinds of people. She knew exactly why Clarissa preferred her over Alisa.

Clarissa was straightforward, too. She'd told Monica herself, as a mom, she wanted her son to end up with someone like Monica, not someone like Alisa, who came with so much baggage.

Dinner was at a cozy hotpot place near Jason's house. Clarissa was already there and waved as soon as she saw them. "Monica, over here! I thought Jason was making you up—you're really together! I'm so happy!"

Seeing Monica and Jason come in holding hands, Clarissa couldn't stop smiling. She was finally free of the Alisa drama. If that woman had stuck around, she'd have lost her mind.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mrs.

Carter," Monica said, sliding right in beside her like an old friend. "Your

skin looks amazing tonight-I almost didn't recognize you. I thought you were a movie star sitting here!"

"Oh, you're such a sweet-talker!" Clarissa laughed, touching her cheek, looking a little bashful. "It's all thanks to your spa. Jason's dad is so jealous, always checking up on me like when we were first dating."

Monica winked. "So it's true-love really does keep you young."

While Monica and Clarissa chatted away, Jason ordered dishes and sides, making the table look like a feast. The whole vibe was warm, easy, like this was exactly how life was supposed to be.noveldrama

But just as Monica was laughing with Clarissa, a whiff of something sharp and unpleasant caught her nose. She glanced back-and at the next table, she spotted the man from the riverbank.