The Bound Between Us

Chapter 282
“Nope.” Anastasia sat beside her and said, “Sorry, I had no idea things were this bad.” If she had known, she wouldn’t have
brought the cops.
“The cops being here is a blessing in disguise. The feud with the Edmunds family has escalated so much, might as well blow it
up bigger. That way, I’ll have
evidence for the divorce case.”
Anastasia asked, “What exactly happened tonight?”
Gianna looked up at the night sky and scoffed, “I can’t believe Joey’s family would stoop this low. They tricked me into signing
the divorce agreement, drugged me, locked me in a room and even called my parents. They just wanted to scare me into
backing down and giving them the houses.”
“What about that guy?” Anastasia had seen Gianna looking a mess earlier. She obviously wasn’t doing fine.
“He’s a guy I met at the gym. Claimed he was here to deliver something.” As Gianna spoke, her voice began to choke up, “At the
gym, he always cared about me, and he’s a good person. I never thought he would be manipulated by Joey.”
Gianna was vulnerable due to her marital issues, making it easy for people to take advantage of her. A handsome guy always
treating her kindly could easily stir up feelings. Gianna indeed had feelings for the guy, but she never expected to be used.
Gianna could have accused the guy of rape, but that would complicate things even more. Amid the chaos with the Edmunds
family, a rape charge wouldn’t hold up. Plus, Gianna still had feelings for the guy and had liked him before, so she just sucked it
up.
After hearing the whole story, Anastasia was at a loss for words. Anastasia asked, “Are you planning to fight Joey to the end?”
“Yes.” Gianna was firm on this, “I absolutely won’t back down
Anastasia bit her lip and said, “I think you should accuse the guy of rape. If Joey was involved, it’s a conspiracy. If you win that
case, you’ll win the divorce case
too.”

Gianna suddenly burst into tears, covering her face with her hands, “Anastasia, I don’t know what to do anymore.”
Her mind was a mess and she felt helpless. Eight years as a full-time housewife had narrowed her world. She had no real friends
and was shunned by her social circle now that they knew she was getting a divorce.
Anastasia sighed. Honestly, Gianna was still reluctant to accuse the guy. She still hadn’t come to her senses.
People made mistakes, especially women. As an outsider, Anastasia could see through things and knew what would be best.
But Gianna was trapped by her emotions. The guy had given her warmth during her darkest times. That was why Gianna was
even more heartbroken.
Feeling betrayed by the world, Gianna felt like a failure. She asked Anastasia through her tears, “Am I really that unlikable? Why
do all the men use me? Is it really that hard to find someone genuine? I’m just a woman, who wants to be loved by a man.”
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Anastasia gently patted Gianna’s back, comforting her, “This too shall pass. After the storm comes a rainbow. Once you get past
this, you’ll find your true love. You’re at rock bottom now. It can’t get any worse. It’s only when you hit rock bottom that you can
bounce back.”
“Bounce back.” Gianna repeated blankly, staring into space, seemingly devoid of hope
Anastasia was worried Gianna might do something reckless. Remembering Melinda’s tragedy, she decided to stay with Gianna
and brought her back to Harmony, Meadows.
Salma was in Willowbrook, and there was an empty room in her house, so Anastasia let Gianna stay there. Katelyn took Pattie to
the room next door.
Just as Anastasia had settled Gianna in, Herman came home, “Why are you still up? Didn’t I say you don’t have to wait up for
me?” Herman changed his shoes, hugged Anastasia’s waist as usual, and kissed her.
“Be careful.”
Before Anastasia could warn Herman about their guest, the door of the guest bedroom suddenly opened, and there stood
Gianna.