The Bound Between Us

Chapter 177

Anastasia held her breath, her nerves kicking into overdrive, heart racing. She stared intently, afraid she would miss something. But as the urine soaked the test strip, it still only showed one line.

Two lines would mean pregnancy. She wasn’t pregnant.

But Anastasia didn’t give up, holding onto a sliver of hope, continuing to watch the pregnancy test, hoping for a miracle, for another line to appear.

One minute, two minutes, five minutes went by. It still only showed one line.

Disappointed, Anastasia tossed the pregnancy test into the trash can, regrouping before stepping out.

“Ana, how’d it go?” Monica, waiting outside, eagerly asked as soon as she saw her

Shaking her head, Anastasia forced a helpless smile. “Nothing.”

Monica seemed a bit disappointed too, quickly saying, “No worries, you guys just got married. Don’t rush, maybe next month.

“Right.”

Even though Anastasia was disappointed, she quickly let it go. Having a baby required certain conditions.

you home first, then I need to go see my mom,” she

I’ll have my boyfriend pick me up. We

“Okay then.”

to Salma’s house, using her

room: her voice came

bedroom to find Salma on the phone, asking. “Were all the kids from the orphanage that year sent away? Where did the girls

the phone with?” Anastasia asked, walking

quickly hung up, saying, “I’ll call you back another time,

up, Salma asked. “Why didn’t you

joked. “Theard you talking about the orphanage

can’t have kids? Cynthia thought I could help by contacting the orphanage to see if

ago, Salma had visited the orphanage where she’d left Anastasia’s daughter Coincidentally,

Salma had been haunted by dreams of the grand-daughter she’d abandoned. She was anxious

know was where the

can’t,” Anastasia responded. “Gianna

Salma added, “The Edmunds family doesn’t agree, so it won’t be easy for Gianna. Anyway, why did you

and then came to see you. Here’s some money. Anastasia handed over five hundred dollars from her bag. “Mom, when I get my next paycheck, I’ll have more. I’ll give you more then.”

I can’t move anymore. Now,

just take it. You raised me, can’t I give you some money to pamper you?” Anastasia insisted, leaving the money on the table “You can use it however you want. It would