The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia was the gold standard in Monica's world, and Jason was starting to see why.

"So, I heard you played matchmaker for Anastasia and Herman. Is that true?"

"Kind of," Monica chuckled. "It was about timing too. Ana's been through enough; she deserves some happiness. Jason, you have to keep an eye on Julie. We can't let her ruin the wedding." "Don't worry, I got this."

As they chatted, Monica heard noises from outside. The office overlooked the training ground, where the soldiers often did their drills.

The sound was invigorating.noveldrama

Monica couldn't help but rush to the window, practically drooling.

Each one shirtless, muscles glistening in the sun-it was enough to make anyone's mouth water.

"Damn, no wonder I can't find a boyfriend-they're all serving the country. So hot, so cool, young and strong... they're like the finest specimens of humanity," Monica mumbled to herself. Jason, dryly: "Wipe your drool."

Monica, without thinking, wiped her mouth, only to realize she'd been caught: "What, are you jealous I'm checking out the eye candy?"

Jason retorted, "Those are the nation's pride and joy. Don't objectify them."

"How am I objectifying? I'm a young, eligible woman, thank you very much," Monica grinned cheekily. "Jason, be a dear and get me a number, will you? I've helped you out enough times. How about the hunk in the front row?" Following her gaze to the training ground, Jason scoffed, "You've got good eyes-that's the police department's golden boy, and he's taken."

"No way. What about the second one? He's pretty handsome too. I guess I can settle for second best."

"That one..."

Monica cut him off: "Don't tell me he's taken too."

"He's not," Jason conceded.

Monica's spirits lifted, but before she could revel in it, Jason added, "He's engaged. Wedding's next month-I've got the invite on my desk."

"It figures, the good-looking ones are always snatched up first. Good men are in high demand, unlike the leftovers like you..."

Jason fixed her with a stare: "Uh-huh?"

Realizing her slip, Monica quickly covered with a smile: "I mean... the crème de la crème."

Jason huffed, "A lady should have some restraint, not ogle men all day."

Monica muttered under her breath, "If women aren't supposed to look at men, then what?" Jason: "..."

"Jason," came Alisa's gentle voice from the doorway.

Monica and Jason turned to see Alisa holding a thermos.

"I made you some chicken soup. Heard you've been working hard on a case, thought you could use a little nourishment." Alisa opened the thermos and served Jason a bowl.

Alisa was the quintessential homemaker, always soft-spoken, a whiz in the kitchen-she was what most men dreamed of in a wife.

She politely offered some to Monica as well, "Monica, have some if you like."

"No, thanks," Monica declined, not wanting to intrude on what was clearly a moment meant for Jason.

Jason said to Alisa, "You shouldn't go through all this trouble, you work hard enough as it is."

"It's no trouble at all. I enjoy cooking when I have the time," Alisa smiled. "Try it, and let me know when you finish today. I'll make dinner."

"I'm swamped lately, not sure when I'll be done. Really, Alisa, don't bother," Jason said, pushing the soup aside. "I've got a case to work on. You should head home."

As he said that, he turned to Monica, "What are you waiting for? Let's go."

Monica was puzzled, "Go where? Am I coming too?"

"We're on the trail of Julie." Jason headed for the door.

Monica glanced back at Alisa before hurrying after Jason, "You know, she went through all the trouble to make that soup, and you didn't even taste it."

"That's none of your business, so don't ask," came Jason's curt reply.

"But you sure enjoyed her cooking last time," Monica pressed on.

Jason scowled, "If you're so keen, then you have it."

Monica sensed the unspoken irritation and wisely chose to remain silent.