The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

With thousands gathered and millions more watching on TV, Herman didn't dare confess that he couldn't remember a thing about his past. That kind of caution was hardwired in him—just part of being a businessman. If word got out that he'd lost his memory, well, who knew what kind of trouble that would bring.

An hour later, Herman followed Anastasia back to Southridge Estates. The second he stepped inside and saw the two babies babbling on the carpet, his heart softened in a way he hadn't expected.

Sandy hadn't lied-he really did have a wife and kids.

As soon as Pattie spotted him, her whole face lit up. She ran straight for him, waving her arms, shouting, "Daddy, you're home! Daddy!" She was practically dancing with excitement.

But Herman just frowned, glancing at Anastasia in confusion. "She's my daughter too?"

Sandy had only ever mentioned the twins-a boy and a girl. So where did this older girl come from?

The room went silent. Nobody seemed to know what to say.

Anastasia was the first to find her voice. "Of course she is. That's Pattie, your daughter. Herman, are you alright?"

Everyone looked at him, waiting for some kind of explanation.

He took a breath, eyes moving from face to face. "I... I don't remember anything from before. I don't even know who I am. Sandy told me my wife's name is Anastasia, that I have two kids. My name's Herman, right?"

He realized, just then, that Sandy had never actually told him his name.

The silence grew heavier. People stared at him, stunned.

Anastasia looked like she'd been slapped. But suddenly, it all made sense-why he'd come back to Riverdale but hadn't come home. He really didn't know how.

Katelyn rushed over, her voice trembling. "Herman, I'm your mom! Don't you remember? And this is your dad."

Feiman stepped up, looking at Herman with hope in his eyes.

Herman just shook his head.

Nelson edged closer. "Mr. Salstrom, what about me?"

Dailey jumped in, "Boss, it's Dailey."

Herman's face stayed blank. Monica finally said what everyone was thinking. "If he can't even recognize Ana and the kids, what chance do you guys have?"

Nelson and Dailey exchanged sheepish looks.

Honestly, it made sense-wives and kids came first.

Jason and Monica hung back. Jason offered a hand, "I'm Jason. We went to high school and college together. I work at the precinct now."

Monica smiled. “I'm Monica, your wife Anastasia's best friend."

With the introductions rolling, Feiman tried to lighten things up. "I'm Feiman-your dad."

Katelyn jumped right in, "And I'm Katelyn, your mom."

Their little competition made everyone chuckle, and the tension in the room started to melt.

Salma spoke up, "I'm Salma—your godmother."

Nelson grinned. "Nelson, your assistant for eight years."

Dailey added, "Dailey-your buddy for almost ten."

Collin waved. "Don't forget me. Collin-your best friend."

Then Flynn strolled in, dropping his bag at the door. "And I'm Flynn-your younger brother."

One by one, everyone reintroduced themselves, until finally it was Anastasia's turn.

She looked Herman right in the eye. "I'm Anastasia, your wife. I'm twenty-eight. We've been married almost three years. I used to run a coffee stand on Market Street with my mom. All three kids—they're ours. Pattie was born eight years ago, after that night at Neon Dreams. Emmie and Nancy are our twins-eight months old, born after we got married."

She spoke just like she had the first time they met, hoping maybe something would click.

Herman stared back at her, and for a

moment, something flickered in his

eyes. The way she spoke, her

voice it was all strangely familiar, like a song he'd almost forgotten.

Memories hovered, just out of reach.

He looked around at all these people—his parents, his brother, his friends-eachnoveldrama

one hoping he'd remember them.

But nothing came. Not even his own wife.

Anastasia must've seen the lost look on his face, because she squeezed his hand. It's okay if you can't remember right now. You're home, and that's what matters. We've got all the time in the world to get to know each other again."