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 you another time.”

for you at the office. I’m throwing a promotion party this Friday night. You must come. I’ll text you the

be there.”

the ribs were almost done. She lowered

door open, Pattie excitedly rushed over to greet him, “Dad, mom bought me lots of

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

changed his shoes by the

a crescent moon in its cuteness.

Pattie’s smile was so much like Anastasia’s. When they smiled, they both displayed those beautiful dimples. Anastasia emerged from the kitchen with the rib stew and said

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

another room but hung up

with the dishes. Anastasia saw him serving the dishes and prepared two plates of dip. One plate had coriander because she and her mother

family of four sat down for

Pattie and her mother, placing them on their plates,

there

sensation in her

and son-in-law were getting along, Salma was

Pattie said,

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

made with chili, cream cheese, and coriander, indeed

Anastasia dipped a few more pieces of ribs and

“Don’t just take care of the child, you need to

replied with a “Mmm.” She served herself a piece of meat and then glanced

a wonderful dinner together.

the sofa and watched TV, while Anastasia took Pattie to wash up and prepare

bath, she noticed that Pattie was incessantly scratching

arms and neck, saying, “Mom, I’m so

that Pattie had red spots all over her neck and arms. When she looked under Pattie’s clothes, she found her body