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.

then I need to go see my mom,” she

I’ll have

“Okay then.”

drove back to Salma’s house,

the living room: her voice came from the bedroom instead.

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

are you on the phone with?” Anastasia asked, walking

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

up, Salma asked. “Why didn’t you let me know you were

I want? Anastasia joked. “Theard you talking

Cynthia thought I could help by contacting the orphanage to see if she could

orphanage where she’d left Anastasia’s daughter Coincidentally, she ran into the old director and got his contact info.

Pattie, Salma had been haunted by dreams of the grand-daughter she’d abandoned.

wanted to know was where the girl was, and if

things. Gianna can have kids, it’s Joey who can’t,” Anastasia responded. “Gianna

“The Edmunds family doesn’t agree, so it won’t be

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.”

Keep it,” Salma declined. “I have enough. You can give me money when I can’t move

some money to pamper you?” Anastasia insisted, leaving the money on the table “You can use it however you want. It