The Bound Between Us

Chapter 247

The moment she sent the message, Herman replied right away: [I’ll be home for dinner.]

Anastasia was overjoyed when she saw this. As a woman, what she wanted was pretty simple, a little care and attention from her man.

The thought of Herman coming home for dinner was all Anastasia needed to start preparing a rib stew.

As Anastasia bustled around the kitchen, Pattie and Salma played in the room, their laughter ringing out every now and then. Everything was so cozy and homey. Anastasia started to prepare two more side dishes. Just as she finished chopping the vegetables, Alessia called her.

Anastasia asked, “What’s up, Alessia?”

“Anastasia, that tip you gave me last time really did the trick. My mother-in-law is now keeping her big mouth shut.” Alessia sounded so cheerful, she could tell from her tone, “I’ve been buying her clothes, only the most expensive ones, and even giving her a massage. Next thing I know, I’m the talk of the town; everyone’s praising me for being a great daughter-in-law. You should’ve seen the sour look on my mother-in-law’s face. I felt so satisfied.” Alessia said.

Seeing Alessia in such high spirits, Anastasia chuckled, “Well, this is just a temporary fix, Alessia. You don’t want to ice her out completely, or the resentment between you two will only grow.”

“I get it.” Alessia said, “I’ve got to go back to work tomorrow.”

Anastasia was taken aback, “So soon?”

‘The company’s promoting me; I can’t let this golden chance slip by.” Alessia laughed over the phone, “Honestly, I’m so pumped right now. I’ve been waiting for this promotion for so many years. Now I’ve got my career and my kid, I feel like I can take on the world.”

Anastasia was happy for Alessia and said, “Congratulations, Alessia! You’re excelling at both work and home.”

“I owe it all to you.” Alessia said, “Ever since you joined the company, my son was born early, my mother-in-law has been behaving, and I got a promotion. You’re my lucky charm.”

Anastasia laughed, “I didn’t do anything.”

Alessia insisted, “You’re my lucky charm, Anastasia. When are you coming back to work?”

“I might have to wait a bit.” Anastasia said, “My mom hurt her leg. The kids at home also need me.”

Alessia was confused, “Kids?”

long story. I’ll tell

I’m throwing a promotion party this Friday night. You must come. I’ll text

be there.”

that the ribs were almost done. She lowered the heat

the evening. Hearing the door open, Pattie excitedly rushed over to greet him, “Dad, mom bought me lots of beautiful dresses and toys today.”

warmed at the sound of his child calling him Dad and the aroma of home-cooked food wafting

changed his shoes by the door, and affectionately ruffled Pattie’s hair, “Did you have fun

resembled a crescent moon

those beautiful dimples. Anastasia emerged from the kitchen with the rib stew and said

out toward the kitchen, “Mom, dinner’s ready.”

on a call in the another room but hung up immediately upon hearing Anastasia’s voice.

the kitchen to help with the dishes. Anastasia saw him serving the dishes and prepared two plates of dip. One

sat down for dinner, Pattie took a seat next to

for Pattie and her mother, placing them on their plates,

appeared on her plate, placed there by Herman, He said, “You should eat more meat to get

a warm sensation in her

well her daughter and son-in-law were getting along, Salma was elated.

too.” Pattie said, eyeing the

the coriander sauce, and cautioned, “This sauce is a bit

with chili, cream cheese, and coriander, indeed had a spicy

Pattie liked it, Anastasia dipped a few more pieces

of the child, you need to

a “Mmm.” She served herself a piece of meat

enjoyed a wonderful dinner

table. Salma, who had difficulty walking, sat on the sofa and watched TV, while Anastasia took Pattie to wash

that Pattie was incessantly scratching her skin, “What’s wrong, Pattie?”

her arms and neck,

spots all over her neck and arms. When she looked under Pattie’s clothes, she