The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia's pregnancy had Herman on edge this time around, so much so that he kept it hush-hush, avoiding any public announcement. After checking in on Anastasia, he went to see Dr. James Martin, anxious to know how the pregnancy might affect her health. Dr. Martin reassured him, "With proper rest, everything should be fine. You've got me here, and as long as I'm around, no one's leaving this world on my watch."

Herman felt a wave of relief wash over him. Dr. Martin was renowned as a miracle worker in town; if anyone could keep death at bay, it was him.

"That's great to hear," Herman said. "Dr. Martin, you're the only one I trust with this. Anastasia and the baby are in your hands. Please, make sure she has a safe delivery."

"Herman, is there something else on your mind?" Dr. Martin asked, eyeing him curiously. "It's just a pregnancy. There's no need to be this uptight."

"I've made my share of enemies, and Julie Brown is still out there. After what happened last time, I'm not taking any chances. We're keeping Anastasia's pregnancy under wraps to minimize risks," Herman explained seriously.

Dr. Martin thought Herman might be overreacting, but recalling what happened to Pattie and Anastasia's previous miscarriage, he decided not to argue. Instead, he promised, "Alright, leave it to me. Any updates on Pattie?"

"No leads so far," Herman replied, his brows knitting in frustration. "It's like searching for a needle in a haystack as time drags on."

Dr. Martin studied Herman for a moment before asking, "Are you going to give up on Pattie?"

Everyone knew Pattie wasn't Herman's biological child. Now that Herman and Anastasia were expecting their own, Pattie's disappearance might seem less pressing to him. To outsiders, it might make sense to think this way. Maybe Pattie was just a burden, better left behind.noveldrama

Herman shook his head. "I've never given up on Pattie. People might think like you, believing Pattie is just a blot on my life, not my real child, and maybe it's better she's gone. But let me tell you, Pattie is my daughter, always will be. The first time I met her at Harmony Meadows, she shyly tugged at my shirt, asking for help with her kite. The moment I looked down at her, I felt an indescribable pang of empathy..."

"She's meant to be my daughter," Herman said with a determined expression. "I'll keep searching for Pattie until we find her."

Dr. Martin was staying in Riverdale, too, hoping for a resolution, waiting for Pattie's return. She was his first apprentice, and despite their brief time together, he had grown fond of her, eager to pass on his knowledge. He believed Herman wouldn't give up on Pattie. "Everything will come to light eventually, no matter the perpetrator's motives. Anastasia needs to take it easy, especially during the first trimester. It's crucial she stays home and rests, not running around looking for Pattie," Dr. Martin advised. "But knowing her concern for Pattie, she probably won't listen easily. It's up to you to convince her."

"I'll talk to her," Herman said. "This child represents our hope, and we're both eagerly waiting for its safe arrival."

Anastasia was well aware of her condition, but stopping the search for Pattie entirely was out of the question. She managed to cut down her search time each day, venturing out but always keeping her health in mind.

Anastasia frequently staked out near Gianna's apartment complex. With Herman busy handling the Flynn situation, he couldn't watch over Anastasia all the time and had Dailey follow her discreetly instead.

One evening, Anastasia actually stumbled upon a clue at Gianna's complex. As she prepared to leave, a Peppa Pig doll caught her eye. Excited, Anastasia got out of the car and ran toward the person holding the Peppa Pig doll. Seeing Anastasia approach, the person in the costume took off running...