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.

first, then I need to go

mom’s? I’ll have my boyfriend pick me up. We have a

“Okay then.”

Salma’s house, using her keys to

room: her voice came from the bedroom

the kids from the orphanage that year sent away? Where did

you on the phone

up, saying, “I’ll

asked. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming

Anastasia joked. “Theard you talking about the orphanage and adopting kids, whats up?”

Cynthia thought I could help by contacting the orphanage to see

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

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

was where the girl was, and if she

can’t,” Anastasia responded. “Gianna decided to divorce. She’s not that old, and she’ll have her own kids one day.”

filed for divorce from Joey,” Salma added, “The Edmunds family doesn’t agree, so it won’t be easy for Gianna. Anyway, why

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

enough. You can give me money when I can’t move anymore. Now, you

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 make