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

voice rang out from the bottom of the stairs.

back and pretended to assist Anastasia instead. "Let me help

said, completely unaware of Gianna's

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

the pieces. "Please don't move. I wouldn't

of a bruise on Katie's waist. "What happened to your waist?" As

blouse down to

and retreated to the kitchen. Alone, she lifted her blouse to reveal the dark bruise, her mind