The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

"Alright, let's head there."

Hearing the name of the place, Herman felt a strange sense of familiarity that he couldn't quite place. As the car started moving, the driver began chatting with him. "First time in Riverdale, sir?" the driver asked, catching Herman's eye in the rearview mirror. "I've been driving cabs here for ten years. This area used to be nothing but empty fields. Look at it now-skyscrapers everywhere. It's grown so fast."

Herman replied, "It's not my first time here, but I don't remember much of it."

"So, are you visiting or job hunting?" the driver asked. "I know some job agencies that can help with everything, even finding a place to stay."

Herman chuckled, "You seem to have quite the network."

"Gotta make a living," the driver said with a smile. "I have three kids, and living in Riverdale isn't cheap. Plus, my parents are back in my hometown, so I have to earn. What about you, sir? Married, kids? A handsome guy like you must be married to a wonderful woman."

A wife and kids...

Herman had never really thought about having a family. Since his amnesia, his past was a complete blank. He only knew he was dating Sandy and that Nicholas was his father. But after noticing some inconsistencies with Nicholas and Sandy, he started questioning everything.

"Maybe," Herman said uncertainly.

The driver laughed, "Family isn't a 'maybe' thing. You've either got one or you don't."

Herman stayed quiet, unsure how to answer. He genuinely didn't know.

As the car continued through the night, Riverdale's streets were mostly quiet, except for the Night Market, which buzzed with life and the aroma of street food.

The driver dropped Herman off at the market's entrance. "Just head in here, sir. Plenty of food and even some hotels if you need a rest."

"Thanks," Herman said, paying the fare and stepping into the market.

It was late, and the crowds had thinned out Mostly young couples and locals grabbing a late-night bite. To Herman, it felt like his first visit, yet the sight of the shops lining the street stirred a sense of déjà vu. This feeling filled him with hope, maybe he could uncover some lostnoveldrama

memories here.

He paused outside a small café called TeaTimes, which had already closed for the

night. Standing there, fragmented memories flickered through his mind.

He vaguely remembered a girl asking if he wanted bubble tea, though the

memory was blurry. He thought he ordered a taro bubble tea.

As he moved on, he saw vendors packing up their stalls for the night.

A jewelry stand caught his eye-a young woman in her early twenties selling

handmade plastic earrings and rings. She was just about to close up.

On a whim, Herman approached and asked, "How much for these?"

He picked up a pair of cherry earrings. The bustling market, the jewelry stand, the young vendor, and the handmade cherry earrings all felt strikingly familiar.

Memories of setting up a stall with Anastasia at the Night Market began to surface.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the

market, Anastasia sat with Jarod

enjoying a late-night BBQ at an open-air stall. They had opted for bubble tea instead of alcohol tonight.

Jarod had never tried bubble tea before. He was used to high-end coffee or wine,

so the taste was new to him. He set it aside, letting it cool.

He hadn't expected Anastasia to bring him to a place like this. The night air was chilly with a breeze blowing through the open seating.

Anastasia was almost done with her bubble tea. She looked at Jarod, smiled, and said, "I used to come here with Herman all the time for BBQ and bubble tea."

Jarod was surprised, "Herman likes places like this?"