The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Autumn was Julie's real mother-and once upon a time, Devin's first love.

More than twenty years ago, Autumn became pregnant with Julie, but the Brown family never accepted her. After Julie was born, before Autumn could even hold her daughter, Devin coldly told her the baby hadn't survived.

Heartbroken by Devin's betrayal and the supposed loss of her child, Autumn left Riverdale behind. She cut off everyone and everything from her old life, determined to erase the pain.

For over two decades, Autumn lived with the wound, never reaching out to anyone from Riverdale. She blocked every call, ignored every letter, and built a life far away from the town that had broken her heart.

Then, just last month, her husband, Mr. Walker, was promoted and transferred to Riverdale. Reluctantly, Autumn went with him-only to discover that the Brown family had fallen on hard times.

Guilt crept in. After some hesitation, she asked around and found out that Devin had moved to the countryside. Autumn went to see him, partly to prove she was doing well, partly to see how much he'd lost. She wanted him to regret everything. But nothing could have prepared her for the truth: Julie was alive. Julie was hers. Before Autumn could plan a reunion or even see her daughter, terrible news arrived Julie had died in prison.

Autumn retrieved Julie's body herself. She held her daughter for the first and last time, crying through the night. She had carried this child for nine months, only to have her stolen away at birth, and now, even in death, she barely had a moment.noveldrama

Julie never got to call her "Mom." She never even knew Autumn existed. The grief was more than Autumn could bear-she fainted from it, again and again.

And then, when Autumn learned that the Salstrom family-and Anastasia-were behind Julie's death, anger replaced her sorrow. She vowed to get justice for her daughter.

So, Autumn deliberately befriended Katelyn, which finally got her an invitation to Southridge Estates.

That evening, Autumn lit three sticks of incense and placed them in the burner before Julie's photo, her heart twisting with pain. "Rest now, sweetheart. Leave everything else to Mom."

She lingered in the attic a while longer, lost in thought. When she finally came downstairs, she found Mr. Walker just getting home.

"I thought you said you wouldn't be home tonight?" she asked. "I was going to ask Mrs. Gui to make some extra food."

"No need—I have to head back out soon, just needed a change of clothes," he replied. Mr. Walker was

in his fifties now, still getting used to

his new role in Riverdale severe

There

new faces to remember, new rules

to learn.

As he was leaving, he reminded Autumn, “There's been a lot of folks dropping by with gifts lately. Remember, we can't accept any of it. Once you start, it's hard to explain."

"I know," Autumn said, smiling faintly. "Don't worry about me."

They'd been married over twenty years, always polite and respectful to each other. Mr. Walker devoted himself to public service, always away on business, while Autumn managed the house. They never had kids. Years ago, Autumn had a miscarriage while Mr. Walker was out working with the villagers on flood control. He felt guilty about it to this day.

After that, Autumn's health never fully recovered, and having children slipped out

of reach. Mr. Walker poured himself into helping others, finding purpose in his work.

"You always know what you're doing," he said with a smile, then asked, "By the way, what were you doing in the attic earlier?"

He didn't know about Julie, nor did he ask much about the attic. His mind was always on other things.

"Oh, just moving some plants up there to catch the sunlight," Autumn replied, brushing it off. "You should get going or you'll be late."

He checked his watch and nodded. "Alright. Don't wait up for me."

Autumn watched him leave from the doorway. He'd always treated her well, but his work had always come first.

The next morning, the sun rose bright and clear.

Anastasia and Herman headed to the office together. Herman had been back for a while now—if he didn't show up at work, people would start to get suspicious.

Even though Herman had lost his memory, he handled the company's affairs effortlessly. Some skills are just built into your bones-no one can take them from you. Just like teachers always say: knowledge is the one thing you truly own.

With Anastasia and Herman at work, Katelyn and Salma took Emmie and Nancy

to the amusement park. Kids need to get out and see the world—it's good for their

minds.

Pattie had class, so Liana brought her to the park across from their building to do some sketching. While Pattie was lost in her drawing, a rock suddenly flew out of nowhere and hit her.

Pattie cried out in pain, turning quickly to see who'd thrown it...