The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Gianna's emotions were a tangled mess, impossible to articulate.

"Hey, how about we head downstairs?" Anastasia suggested. "I had Katie prep some fruit for us."

"Sure," Gianna replied, her eyes drifting toward Herman's study.noveldrama

With one hand on her aching back and the other gripping the railing, Anastasia cautiously descended the long staircase. Each step seemed like a mountain to climb with her awkwardly heavy belly. Gianna followed a step behind, her gaze fixed on Anastasia's back. A dark thought flickered through her mind: What if Anastasia fell? Would the baby survive?

As the thought flashed by, Gianna's hand moved almost on its own...

Just a slight push, and Anastasia would tumble down the stairs.

But before Gianna's hand could make contact, Katie's voice rang out from the bottom of the stairs. "Madam, the fruit is ready."

Startled, Gianna quickly pulled her hand back and pretended to assist Anastasia instead. "Let me help you."

"Thanks," Anastasia said, completely unaware of Gianna's fleeting malice.

In the living room, Anastasia urged Gianna to join her in enjoying the fresh fruit. Gianna, however, only nibbled on a few pieces before making an excuse to leave. Anastasia had just settled into the couch when a sudden crash made her jump. Katie had accidentally dropped a glass.

"I'm so sorry, Madam," Katie stammered, hastily picking up the pieces. "Please don't move. I wouldn't want you to step on any shards."

"Katie, are you okay?" Anastasia asked, noticing the nanny's distracted state. Her eyes caught sight of a bruise on Katie's waist. "What happened to your waist?" As Katie crouched to clean up, Anastasia saw the injury more clearly-it looked like a belt mark.

"Nothing, ma'am. I'm just a bit tired," Katie murmured, quickly pulling her blouse down to hide the bruise and forcing a smile. "I should get back to work."

Katie finished cleaning and retreated to the kitchen. Alone, she lifted her blouse to reveal the dark bruise, her mind replaying the previous night's abuse.

Katie, in her forties, had endured years of domestic violence. She put up with it for her family, always hoping her husband would change. This time, he had beaten her because she couldn't provide money for his gambling debts. At that moment, Katie's phone buzzed. It was Grannie Anita.

Anita had asked Katie to meet her at a nearby café. Katie complied, curious but apprehensive. When she arrived, Anita handed her a bottle of pills.

"Give these to Anastasia," Anita instructed.

"What are they for?" Katie asked. "Are they to help her with her health?"

"They're abortion pills," Anita replied bluntly.