The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1133

Andrew was more than used to Paradise’s attitude. With a grin, he teased, “If you don’t show up, that’s your loss. I look pretty cool on the basketball court, you know.”

Paradise waved him off. “I’ve got class this afternoon. No time.”

Andrew just shrugged, all swagger. “Then tell me when you’re free. I’ll move the game for you.”

Paradise shot him a look. “Andrew, do you think you own this school or something?”

He laughed, totally unfazed. “Easy. I’ll just have my dad buy it.”

Paradise: “...”

Seriously, filthy rich.

Paradise didn’t bother replying after that.

—

At the hospital.

Anastasia showed up with supplements for Jason.

He was still in bad shape and nowhere near ready to go home.

Clarissa was there looking after him. Monica wasn’t—Jason had told her to leave.

Anastasia had caught bits and pieces about what happened between them.

For Jason, this part of recovery was the hardest.

When Anastasia came into the room, Jason had just finished his rehab exercises. He sat on the edge of the bed, wiped out.

As the days dragged on, colleagues and bosses stopped coming. Only Hank still dropped by whenever he could.

The accident had changed Jason. He was quick to anger, restless, anxious—flying off the handle at the slightest thing. The calm, steady patience he once had was gone.

“Jason,” Anastasia said, breaking the heavy silence. Even she felt how tense the room was. “How’s your recovery?”

Jason turned his head toward her voice. After the surgery, he still couldn’t see. The doctors couldn’t promise he’d get his sight back.

He lowered his head. His face was wrapped in bandages. He could sit here now, but he wasn’t sure he’d have the guts to face himself when they finally came off.

“Anastasia’s here,” Clarissa said, and it sounded like she was a little relieved. “You two talk. I’ll grab some water.”

Jason must have sensed it, because he said, “Anastasia, you don’t have to stay. I’m going to try to rest.”

“Okay.” Anastasia stood up. “Take care, Jason. I hope you recover soon.”

“Yeah.” His reply was barely more than a whisper.

Anastasia left the room and found Clarissa. “Mrs. Evans, I’ll be heading out now. Thanks for everything.”

“You’re leaving already?” Clarissa hesitated, then added, “Anastasia, since you and Monica are close, can you talk to her for me? Jason doesn’t dislike her—he’s just afraid of dragging her down. That’s why he said those things.”

Anastasia nodded. “I understand.”

“Anastasia, Jason’s spent his whole life looking out for everyone else, never thinking about himself. Now, his life’s basically over.” Clarissa’s eyes went red. “He’s such a good kid. If he were still healthy, he and Monica would already be together. But now, I get it if Monica doesn’t want him. People want to move forward. If Jason holds her back, he’s just wasting her future.”

Anastasia just listened, quietly.

She knew exactly what Clarissa was really saying.

If Monica really left Jason now, it would mean she was just too practical—cold, ungrateful, and heartless.