The Bound Between Us

Chapter 353

Harmony Meadows.

Herman and Anastasia returned home to find Salma still waiting in the living room, while Pattie had already dozed off.

Upon seeing them, Salma immediately asked, “Herman, Ana, what happened?”

Anastasia replied, “Mom, everything’s fine. It’s late, why aren’t you asleep?”

“You all disappeared and left the dinner party early. How could I sleep?” Salma responded.

Anastasia gave Herman a look, signaling him to go to their room while she talked with Salma. Understanding the cue, Herman chose to give them some space and headed to Pattie’s room.

Once in the spare bedroom, Salma lowered her voice and asked, “Ana, tell me honestly, what happened?”

“I’m infertile and the Salstroms found out about my premarital pregnancy. Granny Anita is upset, but everything is fine now.” Anastasia explained briefly, The truth can’t be hidden forever. It’s better that they know now.”

“And how did the Herman’s parents react?” Salma asked, sounding worried, “What did they say?”

They didn’t say anything. They must respect Herman’s views.” Anastasia said, “Now that Herman is on my side, Granny Anita can’t do anything. But, we are a family, and we need to stick together. I’ll find a way to make Granny Anita accept me.”

“Older folks are often set in their ways; it’s normal for Granny Anita to be upset. Anyone would be in her shoes.” Salma reasoned, showing understanding. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Indeed, it’s human nature.” Anastasia said with a slight smile, “That’s why I appreciate this hard-won marriage even more.”

Anastasia was clear about what she needed to do: win Granny Anita’s acceptance, take care of her health, and prepare for In-Vitro Fertilization.

In the kid’s room, Pattie kicked off her blanket when sleeping. Herman found the blanket kicked aside when he entered. He covered her up and sat down, watching as Pattie slept peacefully. He couldn’t help but smile at her cuteness. Suddenly, Pattie turned over and sat up sleepily, “Daddy.”

Pattie, still groggy, rubbed her eyes, looking adorable.

Herman extended his arms, “Let me hug you.”

Pattie, not fully awake yet, instinctively reached out for a hug.

Herman held her in his arms and softly said, “Did Daddy wake you up?”

Pattie shook her head. She was now fully awake, and her eyes were wide open. Having just woken up, Pattie looked bewildered. “Daddy, did you and Mommy have a fight?” Pattie asked. She was trying to understand the situation with her childish logic.

“Daddy and Mommy will never fight.” Herman reassured her with a smile.

Even though Pattie wasn’t his biological daughter, calling himself “Daddy” gave Herman a sense of warmth. He couldn’t help but treat Pattie kindly, wanting to give her the best.

Pattie was still sleepy. After being reassured, she closed her eyes and fell asleep again in Herman’s arms.

Herman didn’t want to disturb her. After a while, Anastasia gently pushed the door open and asked quietly, “Is Pattie asleep?”

“Yes.” Herman put Pattie back in her bed, “She’s such a sensible child. She hardly gives us any trouble.”

“That’s true. Most kids her age sleep with their parents. Pattie sleeps alone. She’s not afraid and doesn’t throw tantrums.” Anastasia sat down, gently stroking Pattie’s hand, “I heard that at Penny’s place, Pattie used to sleep in the living room or on the balcony. She didn’t even have a mattress.” Even a dog deserved a cardboard mat to lie on. Pattie’s living conditions at Penny’s were worse than that of a dog.

Knowing the past hardships of Pattie, Herman and Anastasia were even more compassionate towards her. Herman said, “The renovation of the new house is done. We can move in anytime. I’m just worried that Pattie, who just got used to kindergarten, might have trouble adjusting to a new

environment.”

After all, she was still a child who had suffered a lot before and was almost introverted. Now that she was finally opening up, Herman was worried that a new environment might be overwhelming for her.

Anastasia pondered over it and suggested, “Let’s wait for a while then. We can find a good school first, and take Pattie there on weekends to familiarize her with the environment. A gradual transition will be better.”

“Okay, let’s do that.” Herman agreed.

Just as Herman finished his sentence, he saw Anastasia yawning, “Let’s go back to our room and sleep.”

“Okay.” Anastasia was indeed feeling sleepy. Once back in their room, she fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed.

The next day, Anastasia sent Pattie to school as usual. She handled her work at the office, and called Monica to avoid any unnecessary worry. She then called Flynn to check on the progress of the task she had given him. Flynn said, “Everything is ready. Here’s the address, Velvet Lounge.”

“Okay.” Anastasia hung up and drove to the Velvet Lounge.

At the Velvet Lounge, Granny Anita and two other elders were waiting in the card room. After breakfast, Flynn had managed to talk them out to play cards.

Impatiently, Granny Anita asked Flynn, “We’re one player short. Who did you invite?”

“Grandma, we’re almost there.” Flynn said with a smile, “Just relax, have a cup of tea and chat with Grannie Terrill and Grannie Susano.*