The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Monica's face was flushed with righteous anger, while Anastasia just stared blankly out the window, silent as a mouse.

Seeing Anastasia like this took Monica back to a few years ago, when Anastasia was battling depression. The memory sent a shiver down her spine. She quickly grabbed Anastasia's hand and pleaded, "Ana, don't let yourself fall back into that dark place. I'm here for you. If you need to cry, just let it out. Cry as much as you need."

Gianna, standing nearby, added, "Anastasia, you're still young. The Salstroms brought in the best doctors to save your womb. You'll still be able to have children in the future."

Monica snapped, "Why on earth would she want to have a child with the Salstroms after what they've done? Ana, I've got your back here. I'll make sure the Salstroms pay for their actions."

Gianna retorted, "So what? You want Anastasia to divorce Herman over this?"

That wasn't what Monica meant, but she couldn't just let it slide.

Out of nowhere, Anastasia spoke up, "Herman and I come from two different worlds. He comes from a world with high gates that are hard to squeeze into. It's better not to force it; it only brings discomfort to everyone involved." Hearing that Anastasia was considering divorce, a flicker of joy crossed Gianna's heart.

Monica was taken aback, "Ana, don't think like that. Herman is a good man. This was the doing of that wicked old witch. You can't just hand over such a good husband. You should make the best of your life with Herman, have a whole football team of kids to spite that old witch. By the way, is it a crime to harm a five-month-old fetus? Would it be considered a homicide?"

Gianna shook her head, "No, an unborn child is considered part of the mother and not yet a human being in its own right, so it wouldn't count as homicide. Nevertheless, what Grannie Anita did to Anastasia is a crime. She could be sued. But Anastasia, she's Herman's grandmother. Are you ready to burn bridges with the Salstroms?"

Deep down, Gianna hoped Anastasia would pursue the matter. Only if Anastasia fell out with the Salstroms would her relationship with Herman potentially crumble.

Monica looked at Anastasia, not wanting her to sever ties with the Salstroms, and advised, "Ana, don't act hastily. What did Herman say? It was his child too; how is he handling it?"

Monica was advising Anastasia not to be impulsive, yet she herself had been very impulsive. She wasn't afraid to confront the Salstroms. But Anastasia couldn't afford to do the same. Anastasia took a deep breath and said, "Monica, cousin, you guys should go home for now. I need some time alone."noveldrama

She didn't want to see anyone or talk to anyone. She just wanted some quiet time to herself.

Monica understood Anastasia's wish. She hugged Anastasia and said, "Alright, we'll be going then. If you need anything, let me know. I'll come to check on you soon." Gianna added, "Don't keep things bottled up."

Anastasia nodded, and after Gianna and Monica left, she curled up in bed.

Herman was just outside the door, not having moved an inch.

He could hear Anastasia's stifled sobs from inside the room. The sound made him feel even worse, filled with self-blame.

When Feiman and Katelyn came to visit Anastasia in the hospital, Herman sent them away immediately. Anastasia didn't want to see anyone. Seeing them would only upset her more.

News of Anastasia's miscarriage spread, and quite a few people knew about it. However, only a handful knew the real reason behind the miscarriage.

The Salstroms would never publicize that it was Grannie Anita who had caused it.

When Gianna got home, Cynthia feigned sympathy but didn't look the least bit sympathetic, "Oh, what a pity. I heard it was a boy, wasn't it? If he had been born, Anastasia would have had her place in high society secured. I think Anastasia just doesn't have the good fortune to handle the wealth and status of the Salstroms. By the way, Gianna, did Anastasia tell you how she lost the baby?"

Gianna sat down, her tone detached, "It was Grannie Anita's doing. The child is gone, and Anastasia and Herman's relationship is in trouble. I think they're at the end of their rope. Mother, you used to say Anastasia was lucky. I don't think she's that lucky." "What? Grannie Anita did it?" Cynthia was shocked, but her curiosity got the better of her, "How did that happen?"