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...

slight push, and Anastasia would

Gianna's hand could make contact, Katie's voice rang out from

Gianna quickly pulled her hand back and pretended to assist Anastasia

completely unaware

Anastasia urged Gianna to join her in enjoying the fresh fruit. Gianna, however, only nibbled on a few pieces before making an excuse to leave. Anastasia had just settled into

so sorry, Madam," Katie stammered, hastily picking up the pieces. "Please don't

asked, noticing the nanny's distracted state. Her eyes caught sight of a 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

tired," Katie murmured, quickly pulling her blouse down

Alone, she lifted her blouse to reveal the dark bruise, her mind