The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Jason looked over in the direction Monica was staring and saw Herman heading upstairs with a stunning woman beside him. She seemed quite close to Herman, and with no assistant in sight, it looked more personal than business. Monica, her curiosity piqued, stood up to follow them. Jason quickly intervened, saying, "Let's not jump to conclusions. Herman's not the kind of guy to cheat."

"Well, we need to be sure. Ana's expecting, and everyone says the chances of men straying are high during this time. With Herman's status, anything could happen," Monica argued, shrugging off Jason's hand and heading upstairs. Worried about what might unfold, Jason followed closely.

Upstairs was full of private rooms, and they were too late; Herman and the woman had disappeared into one of them, leaving Monica and Jason in the dark.

"This secrecy definitely means something's up," Monica commented.

"And if it's true, would you really tell Anastasia? She's pregnant, Monica. The stress could hurt her and damage their relationship," Jason reasoned, putting Monica in a tough spot. Despite her hesitations, Monica wasn't about to leave it alone.

They ate quickly and then waited in the car outside, knowing Herman would eventually leave.

About an hour later, just as Monica was starting to sober up, Herman and the woman reappeared, getting into the same car, with Herman at the wheel.

"Jason, follow them," Monica urged.

"I'm a cop, Monica. Following people isn't exactly protocol," Jason hesitated.

"Come on, just do it! Follow them, and I'll be your girlfriend," Monica promised, not taking her eyes off the car.

That was all Jason needed. He hit the gas, trailing Herman's car all the way to Southridge Estates.

Monica was stunned when they reached the estate. She called Anastasia, asking if Herman was home.

"He just got back. How'd you know?" Anastasia asked, confused, as she waved from the balcony to Herman and the woman, who was his cousin.

Realizing her blunder, Monica quickly ended the call and turned to Jason, admitting, "False alarm. It's his cousin."

Jason wasn't surprised; he always trusted Herman wouldn't cheat.

"So, girlfriend, should we head back?" Jason teased, his hand on the steering wheel.

Monica, realizing what she'd agreed to, laughed awkwardly, "...Thanks."

Back at Southridge Estates, Anastasia was puzzled by Monica's strange call.

Herman joined her, asking about her day and their baby, choosing not to mention the unexpected tailing.

Anastasia, curious about what happened, decided to wait for Monica to explain, unaware of the little drama that had played out.

Meanwhile, Herman prepared a foot soak for Anastasia, who received a WhatsApp message from 'Leonora', someone she kept a polite distance from since a strange coffee shop encounter.

Even though nothing linked 'Leonora' to any wrongdoing, Anastasia couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling, keeping their chats short and formal.