The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Flynn was utterly confused. How could he have known?

Anastasia gently reminded him, "Remember eight years ago at the Electric Avenue bar? You and Collin got Herman drunk, and he ended up with a woman. Does that sound familiar?"

Flynn's eyes lit up as he recalled, "Oh yeah, I remember now. We even asked my brother about it later, and he denied it at first but eventually admitted it. He said he couldn't remember what she looked like. Wait, are you saying that woman was you, Anastasia?"

Anastasia nodded, confirming, "Yes, that woman was me."

Flynn was astonished. "Wow, that's just... unbelievable."

It seemed destiny had been at work all those years ago.

Anastasia also marveled at the coincidence. If she hadn't put the pieces together, Pattie's true parentage might have remained a mystery forever.

Feiman jumped in, "Flynn, is this for real?"

"Absolutely," Flynn replied excitedly. "Dad, remember how you always said Pattie felt like family? Just look at how much she resembles Herman. Tons of people have commented on it. She's definitely got the Salstrom family genes. We don't even need a DNA test."

Katelyn, standing nearby, was stunned. "Is Pattie really Herman's daughter?"

If this was true, Katelyn's mind raced back to everything she had done to Pattie. Her heart ached with guilt.

The thought of the hardships Pattie endured, especially losing her voice, made her chest tighten with regret.

Katelyn never favored boys over girls; she valued blood ties. If Pattie wasn't her biological granddaughter, Katelyn had kept her distance, sometimes even resorting to punishments like making her stand in the corner.

Now, the realization that Pattie had become distant, even afraid of her, weighed heavily on Katelyn.

Her legs gave way, and she sank onto the couch, clutching baby Nancy, who was at that curious age where she loved tugging at hair.

Anastasia had said enough. She left Katelyn to process the revelation on her own.

Turning to Feiman, Anastasia said, "Dad, I'm taking the kids out for a day at the park. If anything comes up with the business, you and Flynn handle it."

Feiman nodded eagerly, "Of course, you deserve a break. Go out, have fun, and don't worry about a thing."

Flynn offered, "Anastasia, do you want me to come with you? Managing three kids on your own sounds like a handful."

"No need. My mom and Monica will be there to help. We'll be fine," Anastasia assured him, looking forward to a relaxing weekend with her kids, her mom, and her best friend, soaking in the spring O blossoms and landscapes.

She got the kids ready and headed out, with Tony driving. They picked up Pattie

and Salma from Southridge Estates before heading to Blossom Hill to meet Monica.

Today, Monica was dressed... unusually girly.

She had streaks of pink in her hair,

mbat

styled into pigtails, with light bangs, cherry earrings, a Chanel-inspired plaid skirt suit, and a pair of boots. She looked like the quintessential dream girl, ethereal and sweet. sŵnovel

When Anastasia saw her, she exclaimed, "Monica, you're rocking the sweet and girly look today? That's so not your usual style."

Monica flicked her pigtails playfully. "Gotta switch it up sometimes, right? Do I look a few years younger?"

"You could pass for a college student," Anastasia replied earnestly.

Monica, who ran a beauty salon, was always well-maintained. With this outfit, she looked like an eighteen-year-old.

Salma chimed in, "You look great. I bet Jason will love it."

"Jason?" Anastasia raised an eyebrow, sensing she had missed something.

Pattie laughed and signed, "Mom, Uncle Jason invited Aunt Monica to meet here at Blossom Hill."

Anastasia teased, "No wonder you wanted to bring Pattie here to see the blossoms. The real reason's got nothing to do with flowers, huh? When is Jason supposed to get here?"

Monica blushed slightly, "I'm not sure. We didn't set a time. He can come if he wants."

That was typical of Monica, a little coy.

She was here at Blossom Hill, her intentions clear. Whether Jason would show up was anyone's guess.

"Playing hard to get, huh," Anastasia chuckled. "But if he doesn't show, someone might be shedding tears later."noveldrama

Anastasia was just joking around, unaware she might be right. They spent hours at Blossom Hill,

enjoying the blossoms, campinet

lounging on blankets, taking photos, and having a great time. But as the sun began to set, nearing five o'clock, Jason still hadn't appeared.