The Bound Between Us

Feigning ignorance, Salma asked, “Tavon, what did Ashley mean by that? Isn’t the house for Ana?”

“It’s for Ana. Don’t listen to Ashley’s nonsense.” Tavon was in a tricky situation, unable to appease either woman. To keep Salma and Ana, he had to lie, “Pick any furniture you like here.”

“Tavon,” Ashley tugged at Tavon and said in frustration. “I’m your wife. If you spend a penny on Salma, I’ll divorce you right away.”

Salma, feigning hurt, said, “When I met Tavon, you weren’t in the picture. You interfered in our relationship, caused him to be separated from us. He left me and our daughter behind. Now he is trying to make up for it, and you can’t stand it. Who should I seek justice from for the past twenty years I’ve raised our daughter alone?” Salma was a master of passive aggression, drawing Tavon into the argument.

Ashley, originally seen as the victim, was now perceived as the home-wrecker, making the gossip even juicier.

Tavon was also surprised at how organized Salma’s thoughts had become and that she was arguing with Ashley. Not only Tavon, but even Anastasia, waiting outside the store, was taken aback.

Anastasia, Flynn, and Dailey were following behind, each holding a cup of smoothie, watching the drama unfold through the glass doors of the furniture store. Flynn asked, “Shouldn’t you step in when your mom is getting bullied?”

Anastasia calmly replied, “I’m her daughter. If I step in, it’ll change the dynamics. Let mom vent for a bit.”

Dailey took a sip of his smoothie and said, “This is pretty good.”

and support my mom from

need to sway public opinion.”

let Salma be slandered. Dailey’s skills would be useful

Anastasia’s orders. When she spoke, the two of them, holding their smoothie in one hand and their other hand in their pockets, casually went in as if they were just bystanders

money. You deserved all that.” “I didn’t know whether Tavon was rich or poor when I met him.” Salma looked at Tavon and said to Ashley, “If you don’t believe it, ask him. He said that he wanted to marry me, and it was you who pressured him into marrying you. That’s when he abandoned my daughter and me. I never married in my life and raised our daughter without any support. I didn’t reach out to you. Now, it’s you

fearing his past would be dragged up, quickly interrupted, “Ashley, go home. Don’t make a scene. It’s only right that I buy some things

blending into the crowd, defended Salma, “Old lady, your own husband admitted that he’s been unfair to this woman. She raised her daughter alone, it wasn’t easy. She never asked anything from you. Now your husband’s conscience has kicked in, and he wants

then complimented Tavon, “Man, it seems like you had quite the romantic adventures when you were younger.

of the crowd, “Why make life difficult for another woman? You’ve had an easy life. This woman had it tough.

Flynn and Dailey guiding the crowd’s opinion, the

when he had came, she knew

Ashley turned red with anger and shouted at Tavon, “So, Tavon, you’ve been fooling me all along. You say Ana should donate her marrow to Sandy, but you just wanted to bring them here so

exasperated, “What the hell are you talking

use Ana’s marrow to save Sandy. He said he would find another way. Ana has no obligation to donate. And besides, there’s no guarantee Ana’s marrow would match Sandy’s. Tavon said he wanted to take care of me and Ana and make up for what he did.”