The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia's playful grin froze as Salma's words sank in.

She knew exactly what Salma was hinting at. "Ana, it's like having to choose between two loves-no one's going to forget Pattie. Everyone will keep looking for her. But right now, you've got a miracle growing inside you. You need to take care of yourself and that little one first. Don't end up regretting it later."

Salma was gently suggesting that Anastasia pause her search for Pattie and focus on her pregnancy.

Anastasia slumped against the headboard, a swirling mix of emotions rendering her silent.

Salma didn't push further. She went downstairs to whip up something for Anastasia to eat.

When Herman still hadn't returned, and after hearing about Flynn's trouble the night before, Anastasia tried calling him. But her calls just rang out unanswered.

A sense of dread settled over her. With no way to reach Herman, all she could do was wait for his return.

After eating and taking a nap, Anastasia's afternoon brightened with Monica's visit. The news of her pregnancy brought a genuine spark of joy. "Ana, that's fantastic! You've got to take extra care now and give the Salstrom family a bouncing baby boy." Anastasia managed a rare smile. "Let's hope this little one and I are meant to be."noveldrama

"You just need to rest up. This kiddo will come into the world healthy and whole," Monica reassured, her hand resting on Anastasia's belly. "This little angel is here to cheer you up, I bet."

This child was Anastasia's beacon of hope, a ray of light piercing through her dark days.

With a tender touch to her stomach, she vowed with a determined gaze, "I'll do everything to bring this baby into the world safe and sound."

"That's the spirit," Monica chuckled. "Life's about moving forward, Ana. That's hope. And I believe Pattie will find her way back to us eventually."

With hope rekindled, Anastasia nodded. "Yeah, things will get better."

"When Herman finds out you're expecting, he'll be over the moon," Monica teased. "Gotta say, the man's got some hardy seeds; even in barren soil, they sprout." Anastasia blushed and laughed. "I can't believe you just said that."

"We're all family here," Monica laughed. "Anyway, give Herman a ring, get him back here."

"I tried. No answer. He's probably swamped. No rush; he'll hear the news tonight."

Anastasia was willing to wait; what difference would a few more hours make?

Herman returned deep into the night, utterly exhausted after a day and night without sleep.

Instead of heading straight to the bedroom, he collapsed on the living room sofa, succumbing to his weariness.

Awakening past midnight, Anastasia checked the time-1 AM. With Herman still absent, she tried his phone again, only to find it switched off.

Her unease growing, she went downstairs and found Herman, fast asleep on the couch.

Not wanting to wake him, she draped a blanket over him and kept vigil by his side.

Since Pattie's disappearance, Anastasia had rarely spared a thought for Herman, her world narrowed to finding Pattie, forgetting she was also a wife.

Even in sleep, Herman's brow was furrowed. Moved by compassion, Anastasia reached to smooth his forehead, but he awoke with a start.

"You're awake. Did I wake you?" she murmured.

"No," Herman said, sitting up and wearily pulling Anastasia close, burying his head in her embrace-his rare refuge.

As she massaged his temples, she gently asked, "Trouble at the company? You mentioned Flynn's issue last night. Is it resolved?"

Herman's voice was tired but heavy with concern. "Flynn got duped, signed a shady deal, and now he's caught in a bribery scandal. It's a mess, and he might be facing jail time." Anastasia's heart skipped. "Where's Flynn now? Who tricked him?"

"Some woman named Kayleigh. Set him up good, and she's walking away clean. I suspect she's a puppet with strings pulled by the same shadow that burned down our Shanghai plant." "Did you find out who's behind her?"

"Asher," Herman sighed. "We've butted heads before, but catching him won't save Flynn. He's got a million unaccounted for in his account."

The revelation hung between them, the weight of the world pressing down in the dimly lit living room.