The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 524

Annie found herself at a loss for words when asked about her relationship with Henry.

What were they, exactly? Without a marriage certificate, they weren’t officially boyfriend and girlfriend anymore. Their relationship was kept in the shadows.

Annie squirmed in discomfort, but Kate, sensing her unease, said, “You don’t have to say anything. Ever since Henry got out of the hospital, I hadn’t seen him smile. But lately, whenever I dropped by the office, he’s seemed so much happier and more talkative. I knew it had to do with you.”

Annie didn’t know how to respond and just listened as Kate continued.

“Henry’s always been shy, talking to him is like pulling teeth. His peers never seemed to be on the same wavelength as him, and he struggled to make genuine friends. By twenty, he acted with the poise and gravity of a man twice his age. I tried setting him up with countless women, but none of them clicked – until you came along…”

Kate locked eyes with Annie and said, “I used to think he was passionless, but after he met you, everything changed. He started to show his emotions: joy, anger, sorrow. The image of him in that chapel, hurting himself... I’ll never forget it. You’re the person he would protect with his life.”

Annie understood what Kate was implying – no mother wants her son to be reckless for someone else.

Annie pulled the car over by the riverside, fell silent for a moment, then looked earnestly at Kate and said, “Aunt Kate, I love him, I can’t help it, but I promise you, I won’t step foot in the Salstrom household again. If he falls in love with someone else, wants to marry someone else, I won’t stand in the way. I'll bow out gracefully.”

Kate shook her head, “A woman who can earn a man’s undying care is envied by many. As a mother, I’m proud of my son’s loyalty. As for Granny Anita’s interference, maybe it was fate. Lately, I’ve been thinking, if Granny Anita hadn’t meddled with me and Feiman, he wouldn’t have had an affair, and we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

“Aunt Kate…” Annie sensed Kate’s bitterness towards Granny Anita.

Kate looked weary as she spoke, “Since time immemorial, it’s been women who make it hard for other women. I don’t want history to repeat itself. I just want my son to be happy.”

Stunned, Annie asked, “Aunt Kate, you mean you approve of me and Henry being together?”

Kate replied, “Whether we approve or not won’t change Henry’s decision. He’s my son, and how could I make things hard for him? Annie, love freely. As a woman, that’s living a life without regrets.”

Kate was a romantic at heart and had her own regrets. She once believed Feiman would be devoted to her, but reality had proven otherwise.

“Thank you, Aunt Kate,” Annie said, gripping Kate’s hand. “Can’t you and Uncle... reconcile?”