The Bound Between Us

Chapter 525

**Original Text:**

Herman had a remarkably cool head when it came to his parents' marriage. Anastasia couldn't help but admire that about him. It's probably true what they say, you need to be outside the storm to see clearly. If you're caught in it, it's a whole different story.

After hanging up the phone with Herman, Anastasia started her car and headed home. She had barely parked at the foot of her apartment building when her phone rang. It was the school, and Pattie had been injured. Anastasia sped to the school only to learn that Pattie had gotten into another fight. A classmate had slashed her forehead with a pair of scissors. Without wasting time on questions, Anastasia rushed Pattie to the hospital.

Pattie's forehead required five stitches, and Anastasia's heart ached. She also worried about the scar. Pattie was a girl, and appearances mattered. A scar could lead to insecurities as she grew older. During the stitching, Pattie didn't cry or fuss, even with just a bit of local anesthetic. Once the numbness wore off and she felt the pain, she still didn't cry. The kid had grit.

With a tender touch to Pattie's wounded forehead, Anastasia asked, "What happened? Why did you fight again?" Pattie hung her head in silence, unwilling to speak. Anastasia sighed, not pressing further, and pulled Pattie into her arms. "I'm sorry, honey. I should have protected you better."

After a moment nestled against her mother, Pattie looked up. "Mom, if I'm not good, will you leave me?" "Never," Anastasia's voice was laced with emotion. "I'll always want you." She knew Pattie lacked a deep sense of security. "Did the other kids say something about you?"

damage inflicted by Penny and Leo West was indelible, despite their punishment by law. Pattie bit her lip and confessed, "They said you

was why she had fought. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry you have to go through this," Anastasia said, her own heart heavy with guilt. "I don't want to go to school anymore," Pattie said, looking away. "I'll learn jewelry

to get an education. It gives you choices. Do you understand? I'll handle the school. You need to focus on your studies and ignore the

not your fault," Anastasia reassured her, kissing her cheek. "Let's skip school today. I'll get you a couple of days off. Let's go home,

for the moment. As Anastasia led Pattie out of the hospital, a familiar, heartrending cry echoed through the corridor. Instantly, she saw Cynthia running towards Room 8. Anastasia hadn't known that Gianna was

instinctively closed her eyes and blocked some of the acid with her hand, she might have lost her vision too. Gianna's face was wrapped in bandages, with eighty percent burns. The acid had done significant damage; even the skin on her neck was

**Enhanced Text:**

knack for staying cool about his parents' marriage. Anastasia had to give him credit for that. They say you can see things more clearly from the outside. When you're in

up with Herman, Anastasia fired up her car and headed home. She had barely parked when her phone buzzed. It was the school-Pattie was hurt. Anastasia zoomed over to the school and

worried about a scar. Being a girl, looks mattered, and a scar could mess with her confidence as she grew. Even with just a bit

the floor, not saying a word. Anastasia sighed, letting it go for now, and hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. I should've protected you better." After a moment, Pattie