The Bound Between Us

Chapter 464

Anastasia forced a small smile. "Mom, you're overthinking it. Just go home. Patty needs you more right now. I'm fine, really."

But how could she possibly be fine? She was supposed to have two more months, but at five months, the baby was gone. The pain in Anastasia's heart was something no one else could understand. Salma thought about Patty and knew Anastasia wouldn't leave her little sister alone. So she decided not to press further.

"Alright, I'll head home then. I'll come back tomorrow," Salma said. "I'll bring Patty along to pick you up from the hospital."

Anastasia's lips curled slightly. "Okay, Mom, could you make some of your famous dumplings for tomorrow?"

It was the first time Anastasia had smiled since the miscarriage.

Salma felt a wave of relief, thinking Anastasia was beginning to move forward. Her eyes welled up with tears as she said, "Of course, I'll make you dumplings tomorrow."

"Okay." Anastasia leaned back against the headboard, a faint smile lingering as she watched her mom leave.

Salma felt much better and said her goodbyes to Herman before leaving.

Once Salma had gone, Herman entered the room. He sat by the bed, unsure of what to say. Anastasia didn't seem keen on talking either, so they sat in silence.

Anastasia caught the scent of alcohol on Herman. "You've been drinking again?"

It wasn't the first time. After returning with his friend Flynn, Herman had gotten drunk. The next day when he came to the hospital, Anastasia had smelled the alcohol but hadn't mentioned it. Herman was surprised when Anastasia spoke to him. He quickly responded, "Just a little... I had a few drinks with Flynn."

had promised Anastasia he wouldn't drink again, but

her gaze distant. "That's

Herman began hesitantly, "Do you want

to

up in the hospital for

course," he said enthusiastically, "I'll find a wheelchair and we can go around the hospital grounds. I'll make sure you're bundled up against the cold." Anastasia didn't object and

a wheelchair, wrapped her in a thick coat and scarf, ensuring she was protected from the chilly wind. He then carefully lifted her into the wheelchair and pushed her around the hospital's small park. The sky was painted with

up at the sky, memories flooded back. "Herman, the day we met, the weather was just as beautiful as it is today. Time has flown by so fast. We've known each other for over a year now. A year ago, I couldn't have imagined that we would be married." Herman slowly pushed the wheelchair around the park, his voice warm. "Once you're feeling

Anastasia said. "I've only seen pictures

I know what you're thinking, and I'm sorry for not being able to save our baby. Once you're discharged, let's take Patty and go live

her

over the company while he took a year off

the support of their trusted colleague Feiman,

nothing was more important than the happiness

welled up in Anastasia's eyes as she held Herman's hand tightly. "Herman," she choked out, "I don't regret marrying you. You've been good to Patty and to me. I love you, and I want to

face, and she leaned in to

had openly admitted

held her close and deepened the kiss. His only wish was for

over them as they kissed, the falling leaves creating a picturesque scene around them. Time seemed to stand still, capturing a beautiful moment in

sleep next to Anastasia. They spoke late into the night, and eventually, exhaustion took over and Herman drifted off to