The Bound Between Us

Chapter 12

Herman shot Flynn a look, basically telling him to keep his trap shut. Right then, Anastasia walked out of the restroom and froze at the sight of the new face in the booth, her eyes landing on Herman.

Salma jumped in to introduce him, “This is Herman’s distant relative. His name is…”

Salma didn’t know his name, so Flynn chimed in, “Im Flynn”

Seeing Anastasia, Flynn was a little baffled. He began to wonder, was his older brother meeting not the old woman he’d imagined, but this young woman? Hearing his name, Anastasia stopped questioning and took a seat.

Salma said. “Herman, your parents passed away early, you have no siblings, and you’re a lonely kid who had to fend for himself in Riverdale. I can tell that you’re a hardworking and down–to–earth good boy. I feel comfortable leaving Ana in your care, and I hope you two will have a good life together”

This was a loaded statement that left Flynn a little stunned.

Parents passed away early? No siblings? Flynn’s eyes widened in disbelief. His parents were alive and kicking at home, and here he was, his own flesh and blood, sitting right here. When did his older brother become so pitiful?

Flynn turned to Herman, baffled, “Herman, you…”

But before Flynn could finish his sentence, Herman stomped on his foot under the table, signaling him to shut up. It wasn’t a light stomp either, Flynn yelped in pain.

Salma asked with concern, “Are you okay?”

Anastasia also turned to look at Flynn, finding him a bit odd.

Receiving Herman’s warning, Flynn gritted his teeth and said, “I’m, I’m fine.”

Herman nonchalantly said, “He probably just had a flare–up of his inflamed foot”

Anastasia looked curious “Can your foot get inflamed too?”

D

Flynn gave Herman a helpless look, while Herman took a sip of his tea and said. There are all sorts of illnesses, nothing strange about that.”

Flynn forced a smile. “Right, it’s just foot inflammation. I’ve had this issue before.” If it meant finding out more about Herman’s situation, he’d pretend to have a more serious illness if need be.

His brother was dining with a beauty, and judging by the looks of it, seemed to be genuinely falling for her.

Anastasia seemed to buy it, and the trio finished their meal. Herman went to pay the bill while instructing Anastasia to take Salma to the car.

Hopping on one foot, Flynn went to find Herman. “Hey bro, what’s the deal with the hot chick? You got a girlfriend?”

If he could get the scoop on Herman’s love life, wouldn’t that raise his status in the Salstrom family? With this inside info, he would even be able to squeeze out more pocket money.

Herman paid the bill and said, “She’s your sister–in–law.”

Flynn stood there, stunned. He didn’t mishear, did he?

After paying, Herman added, “Watch your mouth. Your sister–in–law doesn’t know who I really am yet.”

His sister–in–law, his parents supposedly dead, registering for marriage, buying a second–hand house…

These key points hit Flynn like a ton of bricks, he exclaimed in shock, “You really got married?” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Mhm,” Herman replied calmly.

Flynn was beyond thrilled. He thought he was just getting some juicy gossip about his brother’s girlfriend, but she turned out to be his sister–in–law. Flynn tried to digest the shocking news. “If Mom and Dad knew you’re married, they’d be over the moon. Even if you told them they were dead, they’d probably be okay with it.”

It just showed how much the Salstrom parents cared about Herman’s marital status.

Herman glanced at him. “It’s a misunderstanding…

He briefly explained how he was mistaken for someone else at the coffee shop by Anastasia. Flynn asked, “Bro, are you planning to keep your wife in the dark forever?”

“We’ll see. Herman said. The Salstroms don’t need marriage to solidify social standing, but we also won’t marry anyone with ulterior motives.”

Flynn got it. Anastasia mistaking Herman for her blind date could’ve also been a trap. It was too much of a coincidence. Given Herman’s background, it was smart to stay alert

Anastasia and her mother were still waiting in the car. Herman told Flynn to do what he was supposed to, while he himself returned to the car. In passing, Anastasia asked, “Where’s that distant relative of yours?”