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?"

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

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

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 nonsense others say. Can they gossip about you if you're

fault," Anastasia reassured her, kissing her cheek. "Let's skip school today. I'll get you a couple of days

led Pattie out of the hospital, a familiar, heartrending cry echoed through the corridor. Instantly, she saw Cynthia running towards

her grief. She clutched at Cynthia's hand, desperate. "Mom, my face is ruined, it hurts so much. Help me, please." If Gianna hadn't instinctively closed her eyes and blocked some of the acid with her hand, she might have lost

**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 the thick of it, it's a whole different ball

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 found out Pattie had been in another fight. A classmate had slashed her

it broke Anastasia's heart. She also 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 of anesthetic, Pattie didn't

now, and hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. I should've protected you better." After a moment, Pattie looked up. "Mom, if I'm bad, will you leave me?" "Never," Anastasia replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll always want you." She knew Pattie felt deeply insecure. "Did the kids say