The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

"Herman's back!"

"It's really him-wow, he looks incredible!"

"It's him, it's really him!"

The crowd was buzzing, voices rising and falling in a wave of excitement. The air was thick with energy, the kind that makes your heart race and your skin tingle.

Anastasia saw him and ran, weaving through the crowd. Herman climbed down from the massive robot statue in the center of the square-something straight out of a city festival. As soon as he hit the ground, Anastasia flung herself into his arms. He caught her, holding her close.

For a second, Anastasia thought she might actually explode from happiness. She was shaking so hard she could barely stand, the adrenaline running wild in her veins. His scent—familiar, warm, the very essence of home-washed over her. He was really here.

She started crying tears of joy, unable to get a word out, just holding him as tightly as she could, like if she let go, he'd vanish.

All around them, the city watched. People at home, glued to their screens, felt their hearts squeeze and smiles break out. Even the grumpiest folks found themselves cheering.

The plaza erupted-cheers, whistles, pure celebration, as if the whole place had won the lottery.

Off to the side, a cab driver who'd lost a bet grumbled, "I knew I shouldn't have listened to Sandy and her big mouth. There goes my thousand bucks."

Everyone who'd bet on Herman's return was celebrating like they'd hit the jackpot.

Herman looked down at Anastasia in his arms. Even though everything in his head was a blur, the way she dove into his embrace made something deep inside him settle. For the first time in months, he felt like he belonged somewhere.

Feiman and his crew spotted Herman and were over the moon. Katelyn was so overwhelmed she nearly fainted.

Monica, unable to contain herself, hugged Jason tight. "Jason, Herman's really back! He's alive-this is unreal!"

Jason grinned. "Told you he'd make it. He always does."

Seeing Monica so happy, Jason couldn't help but laugh too.

Monica suddenly realized she was still holding Jason and quickly let go, but Luke smoothly took her hand, fingers lacing with hers. He wasn't planning to let go this time.

Monica tried to pull away, but for now, she let it be.

Hank watched the reunion with a shake of his head. "All that searching, and Anastasia just gets it done her own way. Money really does make the world go round, Jason. Maybe our department just needs a bigger budget."

Money talks, after all.

Nelson Dailey, Collin, and the rest couldn't stop grinning.

Dailey whispered, "The boss is really back."

Nelson spotted Herman and called out without thinking, "Mr. Salstrom!"

In the crowd, Sandy saw her plans

go up in smoke. She'd lost, and

She

knew it. If only she'd been a little

colder, Herman would never have made it back to Anastasia

She slipped away, calling her brother. "Sean, get the car. We're heading back to Willowbrook..."

She steeled herself for whatever revenge Herman and Anastasia might have in store.

Outside the crowd, Rowan stood at the crosswalk, too far back to see Herman and Anastasia except on

the big LED screen. Her eyes fillednoveldrama

with doubt-did Anastasia really love him that much?

Her phone buzzed. Asher was calling.

On the other end, Asher said, "I'll be in Riverdale in two days. Herman's gone, so I

don't need to hide anymore."

Rowan swallowed hard. "Asher...

Herman

not dead. He's back." Still

on the phone, she turned and walked

, city lights blurring behind her.

Anastasia and Herman stood there, holding each other for what felt like forever.

His warmth melted the chill in her heart.

Herman finally eased back, his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her carefully —she was beautiful, so familiar-but nothing came back to him.

His lost look made Anastasia's heart sink. "Babe? What's wrong?"

He just stared at her, silent and unsure.

At that moment, Feiman and Katelyn rushed over, grinning ear to ear.

"Son!"

"Herman!"

Nelson marched up too. "Mr. Salstrom!"

Henry, Jason, Monica, Dailey... everyone was there, faces lit up with joy.

But to Herman, they were all strangers.

His eyes wandered, dazed and confused.

Anastasia's smile faltered. "Honey, what's going on? Why haven't you come home?"