The Bound Between Us

Chapter 10

Herman parked the car at the hospital entrance, waiting as Anastasia helped Salma out. He hopped out of the car too, lending a hand to open the door. As Anastasia climbed in, he shielded her head with his hand to prevent her from bumping it

Salma saw all this, and her face broke into a satisfied smile.

Back in the driver’s seat, Herman said, “Anastasia, it’s one in the afternoon now. Your mom might be hungry. The doctor told us to feed her regularly. How about we grab a bite now?

Herman was really thoughtful, Anastasia hadn’t even thought about this.

“Sounds good, you decide.”

“Alright.”

Herman started the car, and half an hour later, they pulled up at a swanky restaurant.

Anastasia eyed the plush interior and whispered, “Isn’t this place gonna cost an arm and a leg?”

She had just bought a car, and money was tight. Besides, she usually ate at home to save money. When she did eat out, she’d eye the place first. If it looked fancy, she’d chicken out

in a prime Riverdale real estate, a chain

a while. It’s our first formal meeting, our first date, so we can eat a bit

had said his piece, so Anastasia

upstairs. Anastasia was oblivious to the fact that this

seated, Herman said, “Order whatever you like.”

came with a couple of waiters, but Herman had them leave,

around the posh room, tugged at Anastasia, and said, “Just order a few

waste money. Even if her son–in–law was treating them, Salma was still concerned.

“Yeah, Mom, I know.”

when she saw the prices on the menu, she felt the urge to grab

guessed what she was thinking. “Let

“How about we go somewhere else? This place is too expensive.

a discount coupon, a gift from a client. We can get half off, and the restaurant will give us an invoice for the company to reimburse”

like using the company’s money for free? Won’t

personal expenses. She was surprised because she hadn’t expected the seemingly competent

was amused by Anastasia’s reaction. “I was just joking with you, no need to get worked up. So, what do you