The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Hank had always treated Pattie like his own daughter, pouring all his love into raising her and planning her future with meticulous care. But life has its twists, and no one saw this tragedy coming.

her discreetly. Monica also visited frequently, trying her best to offer support and comfort.

Hank often woke up from dreams of Pattie, her absence leaving a gaping void in his heart. Every day, Anastasia would head out to search for any trace of her daughter, undeterred by the pleading of those who cared about her. To ensure her safety, Hank had Dailey follow On this particular day, Anastasia found herself wandering aimlessly until she arrived at what used to be Gianna's coffee shop, now turned into a boutique clothing store. She stood there, memories flooding back. She remembered Gianna's grand opening, how she had cut the ribbon while heavily pregnant-a memory from a year ago that felt like a lifetime. Back then, her life was full of happiness, her daughter was a bundle of joy, and with Hank, they eagerly awaited the birth of their son. Now, all she had left was Hank, and everything else had slipped through her fingers. "What's on your mind? Thinking about your daughter?" a voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

Anastasia turned to see Gianna, who now wore a scarf to hide her disfigured face, leaving only her eyes visible. Surprised by Gianna's sudden appearance, Anastasia felt an inexplicable irritation, a chill creeping through her veins.noveldrama

Gianna, staring at the boutique, remarked, "I come by here sometimes. I poured my heart and soul into that coffee shop and was the talk of the town, surrounded by admirers. And Joey? Locked up for ten years. Him being gone is a mercy, really." Gianna rambled on, but Anastasia remained silent.

Gianna continued, "So, how's life with Hank? Must be rough, especially with your daughter missing. You must be living in agony, just like me."

Anastasia felt a jolt at Gianna's words, her gaze sharpening as she remembered Gianna's resentment towards her. Without revealing her suspicions, Anastasia kept her composure and asked, "What have you been up to lately?" "Just staying at home. With this face, I'd scare anyone away," Gianna said with self-deprecation. "I don't have the life Mrs. Salstrom does. Lost a child? So what, you and Hank can have more. You've got to look forward, right?"

"Thanks for the pep talk," Anastasia retorted with a hint of sarcasm. "I was struggling, but now, maybe not so much. I'm still young, I have an enviable husband, and we can have more children if we want. But you? I doubt any man would dare come near you." Gianna scoffed, "Police haven't found her yet. It's been so long; she's probably nothing but bones now. Anastasia, can you even have more kids? I almost forgot, you had a miscarriage, didn't you? Your womb was damaged. Maybe you can't."

"Gianna," Anastasia's voice trembled with barely contained rage, "At least I've had the joy of being a mother. What about you, Gianna? You're destined to be alone forever."

"I won't end up alone," Gianna snapped back before storming off, leaving Anastasia standing there. Gianna lived for the day she could see Anastasia suffer, even if it meant reveling in her misery from within a golden cage. Three agonizing months had passed since Pattie's disappearance.

Gianna drove aimlessly around the streets before pulling up to the house she once shared with Joey. She had considered selling it but ultimately couldn't let it go. The duplex stretched two floors below street level, and Gianna made her way downstairs after entering.

The basement room was secured with chains. Gianna unlocked it and stepped inside, turning on the light. The room brightened, revealing Pattie chained to the bedpost, her eyes wide with fear. The room was soundproof, and after three months of being trapped, her voice damaged by toxins and bound by chains, Pattie had no chance of escape or calling for help.

As Gianna tossed a piece of bread to the frightened girl, she sat on the couch, muttering to herself, "I saw your mom just now, looking so worn down. She must be in pain every day, just like me. She said I would die alone, but I won't. You'll keep me company right here, Pattie. Then I won't be alone."