The Bound Between Us

Chapter 239

Herman didn’t fully understand. The nicer he was to Anastasia, the heavier her mood seemed to get. His kisses were always so gentle, like the soft brush of spring breeze.

Her hand moved towards his belt….

“Anastasia.” Herman caught her hand, stopping her immediately. “Your wound at your waist… it’s not healed yet.”

“I want it.” Anastasia pushed him down onto the bed, straddling him. “I know what I’m doing.”

With that, she bent down and initiated a kiss. Anastasia had never been this forward before. Her hand slipped under his shirt.

That night, fearing he might hurt her, he was even gentler than usual.

Afterwards, Anastasia lingered, her fingertip lightly tracing his face, outlining his features in the dim light. He held her, sensing her unusual mood, and said, “Go to sleep.” Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

He knew that Anastasia wasn’t ready to come clean with him. She had something on her mind, and it must have something to do with that thing. He had noticed something off about Monica and Salma’s expressions during dinner, too.

“Mm.” She hummed in agreement, closing her eyes to sleep. Perhaps she was too tired, and she fell asleep quickly.

Herman, however, couldn’t sleep. He propped his arm under her head as a pillow, gazing tenderly at her sleeping face in the dimness. Some things needed to be dealt with in advance.

The next day.

Anastasia was up early, preparing breakfast for everyone. Salma, also an early riser, heard the noise and got up too. She wanted to help in the kitchen, but Anastasia shooed her out, telling her to relax in the living room.

Salma went to check on Pattie in her room. Pattie was still sleeping, looking so pitiful it tugged at people’s heartstrings. The bruises from the beating she had taken were still visible.

Herman was in their bedroom, freshening up. When he came out, dressed, Anastasia had finished making breakfast. “You have to go to work, so eat first. Pattie and I will eat later.”

She didn’t have the heart to wake Pattie up, hoping to let her sleep in a bit more.

With Salma and Pattie in the house, Herman didn’t have to worry about Anastasia having too much free time to overthink things.

“The weather’s nice today. When Pattie wakes up, you can take her shopping for some new clothes,” Herman suggested. “I’ve asked the school for a week’s leave for her. She can rest at home for a few days before going back.”

Anastasia thought the same thing, so she smiled and said, “Okay, it’s time to buy a few new outfits for Pattie.”

Salma came out of Pattie’s room, and Anastasia said, “Mom, breakfast is ready.”

“That child is sleeping so soundly,” Salma chuckled, sitting down.

Pattie hadn’t even been allowed to sleep in a bed in Penny’s house. Sleeping outside in various weather conditions had become routine. Now, in the cold of Riverdale, being able to sleep in an air-

conditioned room with warm blankets was undoubtedly the best sleep Pattie had experienced in the past two years.

After breakfast, Herman went to work. Anastasia waited for Pattie to wake up, then they had breakfast together and headed to a nearby mall.

Salma, with her mobility issues, didn’t join them. She stayed at home, doing what housework she could manage.

Having both elderly and young members in the household did increase the stress, but it also made the home cozier. Elysian Technologies.

In the CEO’s office, Flynn came to chat with Herman first thing in the morning. “Bro, were you serious about what you said last night? You weren’t just bullshitting our parents, right? It’s just us here now, and you can tell me the truth.”

Herman knew what he was asking. “What truth?”

“Bro, you don’t seem like someone who has fertility issues,” Flynn said. “The moment you said that last night, our parents started nagging me again. I have to be home by ten every night, and I have to lead a regular life.”

Herman raised an eyebrow. “That’s good, take care of your health. The future of the Salstrom family is on your shoulders now.” Bro, I’m only twenty-five.”

Herman asked, “How’s the investigation into Kitty going?”