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.

child, "Don't worry, baby, Mama's here to

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

As for

sleep. Her fear

looked pale and drained. When Salma came to call her for breakfast, she noticed Anastasia's poor condition. "Ana, didn't you sleep

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

at home, dear. I'll take Pattie to school," Salma

did every morning, came to say goodbye to Anastasia and

I'm off to school now. You have to 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 spank you." Both Anastasia and

baby's gender, but Pattie was convinced

caressed Pattie's cheek before leaning down to kiss her. "Be good at school, no fighting. If someone starts a

about Pattie's temper getting her into

friends with the chubby

my girl," Anastasia said, rising to her feet. "Mom, you should

Salma took Pattie's hand, and they left for school. The driver was already waiting