The Bound Between Us

Chapter 443

Struggling to wake up from her nightmare, Anastasia felt trapped in a swirling, crimson fog that was as eerie as it was terrifying.

She was drenched in sweat, her brow furrowed deeply, when the sharp ring of her cell phone yanked her back to reality.

Blinking her eyes open, she found herself covered in cold sweat. She quickly flicked on the bedside lamp, seeking solace in its warm glow.

As she looked around the room, she realized she had just escaped a horrendous nightmare.

Her phone chimed again with the tone of a new message. It was from an unknown number.

With a sense of dread, Anastasia picked up her phone and read the chilling message: "Be careful of your belly."

Her heart pounded, and the lingering fear from her nightmare, combined with a sudden ache in her abdomen, filled her with terror.

When Anastasia tried to call the number back, it was unreachable.

and whispered to her unborn child, "Don't worry,

dare share this with Herman, who was swamped with work at the factory. She couldn't bring herself

on nurturing her pregnancy. As for the ominous message,

Anastasia couldn't sleep. Her fear kept

next morning, she looked pale and drained. When Salma came to call her for breakfast, she noticed Anastasia's poor condition. "Ana, didn't you sleep well last night? You look

Mom. Kept me awake," Anastasia replied wearily. "Can you take Pattie to school

take Pattie to school," Salma

morning, came to say goodbye to Anastasia and her

behave at home, okay? Dad said no running around," Pattie told Anastasia before patting her belly. "Little brother, I'm going to school. Be good in Mom's belly, or I'll

gender, but Pattie was convinced it

down to kiss her. "Be good at school, no fighting. If someone starts a fight with you, then you can defend

Pattie's temper getting her

friends with the chubby kid now,"

girl," Anastasia said, rising to her feet. "Mom,

and they left for school. The driver was already waiting outside to