The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

As Cynthia dove into the conversation, it cracked open like an egg, revealing a messy center.

Salma felt a flicker of hope. Sure, the words didn't prove anything, but it was a start. Keeping her cool, she said, "I didn't catch all the details. I was in a rush to drop off some stuff for you guys. Justice has a way of surfacing; the cops will figure it out. If someone took Pattie, just bring her back, and we'll call it even."

Cynthia shot back, "It's been months. Are you really sure the kid's still alive? For all we know, she could be..."

"Mom, I'm thirsty," Gianna interrupted, appearing at the top of the staircase.noveldrama

At home, Gianna ditched the veil, and her unveiled face caught Salma off guard. The sight was unsettling. That initial shock was something Cynthia and Colton had gotten used to over time.

Reading Salma's reaction, Gianna's self-deprecating voice cut through, "Aunt Sal, did my face scare you?" Salma fumbled, "Gianna, it's not what you think. Modern medicine might have a fix for you."

Gianna deliberately moved closer, her marred face confronting Salma head-on.

Cynthia handed Gianna a glass of water and added her two cents, "Gianna's disfigurement? Blame your daughter for that. If Anastasia hadn't egged her on to dump Joey, this mess wouldn't have happened. Ana knew Joey was cheating and said nothing. She had it out for Gianna, didn't she?"

"Big sis, that's not fair. How can you blame Ana?" Salma retorted defensively, "Joey's infidelity wasn't Ana's doing. If anyone mismanaged their marriage, it was Gianna."

"So, you think I got what I deserved?" Gianna slammed her glass down, her gaze drilling into Salma, "My marriage failed, I've been childless-bad karma, right? Then what about Ana? She lost her son, and now her daughter. Sounds like she's reaping what she sowed." Salma, desperate to defuse, pleaded, "Gianna, don't be so harsh. The police haven't given up on Pattie. You can't just curse a child."

"Months gone, and you still hope she's alive?" Gianna scoffed, "You're deluding yourselves."

With that parting shot, Gianna retreated to her room, leaving Cynthia trembling. Gianna's insinuations about Pattie were too grim to consider.

Trying to stay composed, Cynthia ushered Salma out, "Sis, you'd better leave. My home can't house a saint like you. Don't bother visiting without a reason."

Colton tried to mediate, but one stern look from Cynthia sent him to his study.

Salma stayed seated, defiant, "So, you can criticize my daughter, but I can't speak of yours? Pattie's just a child. What right does Gianna have to declare her dead? She needs to clarify what she means."

"No more. She's gone, and you're in denial. Take your fancy imported goods and leave," Cynthia snapped, fearing Salma's lingering presence. She threw out Salma's offerings and pushed her out the door, severing ties, "Forget our sisterhood. Your pretentious visits are pointless. You were washing dishes when I dined on delicacies. Get off your high horse."

Salma left seething, hurrying home to tell Anastasia everything.

Once Salma was gone, Cynthia rushed to Gianna's room and retrieved a doll from the closet, "I have to ditch this thing before the cops catch on."

Gianna smirked, "They'll never find it."

Cynthia, needing the truth, pressed, "Gianna, tell me honestly, did you do it? Was your aunt here fishing for information? Are the police onto you? Does Anastasia know anything?"