The Bound Between Us

Chapter 436

Gianna's emotions were a tangled mess, impossible to articulate.

"Hey, how about we head downstairs?" Anastasia suggested. "I had Katie prep some fruit for us."

"Sure," Gianna replied, her eyes drifting toward Herman's study.

With one hand on her aching back and the other gripping the railing, Anastasia cautiously descended the long staircase. Each step seemed like a mountain to climb with her awkwardly heavy belly. Gianna followed a step behind, her gaze fixed on Anastasia's back. A dark thought flickered through her mind: What if Anastasia fell? Would the baby survive?

As the thought flashed by, Gianna's hand moved almost on its own...

a slight push, and Anastasia would tumble down

could make contact, Katie's voice rang out from the bottom of the stairs. "Madam,

and pretended to assist Anastasia instead. "Let me

unaware

enjoying the fresh fruit. Gianna, however, only nibbled on a few pieces before making an excuse to leave. Anastasia had just settled into the couch when a sudden crash made

stammered, hastily picking up the pieces. "Please don't move. I wouldn't want

bruise on Katie's waist. "What happened to your waist?" As Katie crouched to clean up, Anastasia saw the injury more clearly-it looked like a belt

blouse down to hide the bruise and

Alone, she lifted her blouse to reveal the