The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Life goes on, and Salma wiped away her tears, resuming the cleaning with Pattie.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Monica had rushed over as soon as she heard that they had been kicked out of Southridge Estates.

Salma opened the door and was surprised to see her. "Monica, what brings you here?"

"I went to Southridge Estates looking for you guys, heard you got booted out, and figured you'd be back at the rental," Monica said, indignation clear in her voice. "How could the Salstroms do such a thing? Just kick you out like that? I'm going to give them a piece of my mind."

Salma stopped Monica with a shake of her head. "Ana already signed the divorce papers while in detention. I'm not asking for anything now, just hoping Ana comes back safely. Flynn said she'll be back in a couple of days."

"They really got divorced?" Monica still found it hard to believe. She had worked so hard to bring them together, hoping for their happiness. It was unthinkable that in just over a year, everything had reverted to square one. Both Anastasia and Herman were deeply wounded.

Salma said, "Herman's still in a coma at the hospital. At this point, who can say who owes whom, who has wronged or been wronged? It's better this way."

Monica felt sorry for Anastasia and Herman's marriage. Just a month ago, they were still in love, looking forward to their baby's birth. Who could have predicted such an ending?

Monica glanced at Pattie, who was standing on the balcony with a towel, and then at the new grey hairs on Salma's head. With compassion, she said, "Auntie, Pattie, let me help you clean up. We'll make it spick and span for Anastasia's return, to start anew." "Monica, thank you," Salma sincerely appreciated Monica's help; she had been a great support since the incident.

"Auntie, no need for formalities," Monica rolled up her sleeves and joined Pattie. "Pattie, let's get to work."

Pattie nodded, "Okay, godmother."

After Anastasia and Herman completed their divorce, it was only a matter of hours before Feiman had the news spread online.

The announcement caused a stir, with the whole town gossiping and netizens feasting on the drama.

The images of Herman and Anastasia together at the anniversary celebration were still fresh in everyone's minds. They seemed such a perfect match, and now, it had come to such a bleak end.

Upon seeing the news online, Julie laughed triumphantly in front of Devin Brown, boasting, "Dad, see that? Herman and Anastasia are divorced. I succeeded."

Devin, seeing the news, wasn't as thrilled. "Herman is comatose, the Salstroms are in disarray, and Flynn is unreliable. If Joseph seizes this moment, he'll be the biggest winner. Julie, instead of pinning your hopes on Herman, you'd be wiser to bet on Joseph." Devin's ambitions were grander. With Joseph as a stepping stone, he saw an opportunity to climb higher.

Julie's smile froze, her voice sharp, "Dad, have you lost your mind? Are you suggesting I go after Joseph? Marry Joseph?"

Devin glanced at Julie's belly, "How long do you think you can hide that? It's your best asset. The Salstroms are engulfed in sorrow; with Granny Anita gone, Herman in the hospital, Anastasia's child lost, the child in your womb could be their beacon of hope, their way out of grief. Then you'd be the hero."

Julie, in fear, clutched her belly, "Dad, I don't know what you're talking about. What baby?"

"Did you think you could fool me with your little schemes?" Devin's tone was stern. "I've arranged to meet Joseph to discuss some matters. The Browns have always been beneath the Salstroms, and Joseph is our ladder to greater heights."

Julie panicked, "Dad, what do you need with Joseph? You can't go see him."

Devin approached, his grip firm on her shoulder, "Julie, as a member of the Brown family, you can't just think of your own romantic entanglements. I thought you weren't up to it, but you've turned the Salstroms upside down, and that's our chance. I'll help you become the next matriarch of the Salstroms. Then whether you want Joseph or Herman, that's up to you."

"The next matriarch of the Salstroms?" Julie's ambition was ignited.

Devin affirmed, "Herman would stab himself for Anastasia. You won't win his heart, but if you control the Salstroms, Herman will be yours to command."noveldrama