The Bound Between Us

Chapter 746

It was a quiet night.

Anastasia lay in bed with Pattie, her eldest daughter, who was curled up contentedly in her mother's arms. Pattie held on tightly to Anastasia's arm, reluctant to let go. She snuggled closer, afraid that if she fell asleep, this moment would vanish like a dream, and her mom might be gone when she woke up.

Anastasia gazed lovingly at her sweet, well-behaved daughter and softly said, "Pattie, there's something I need to tell you. Your dad can't come back right now, and Grandma's quite upset. She's taken your little brother and sister to stay with her for a while. They're her comfort right now. Since Dad's not here, I need to help Grandma in his place. But your siblings are still so young, so I've decided to move to Salstrom Manor. Would you like to come live with me there?"

Pattie looked up at Anastasia and shook her head, gesturing with her hands, "Mom, can I stay here with Grandma? You go take care of my brother and sister. I'm the big sister, so I should let them have some space. You can come back to visit me when you have time."

Pattie wasn't a little three-year-old anymore; she was over seven now and had grown up a lot. Before Anastasia's return, Pattie had overheard Salma and Tavon talking about her mom's situation over the phone.

Pattie knew her mom was in a tough spot and didn't want to add to her worries. Her siblings were young, and Grandma wasn't too fond of her. If she went, it would only cause more trouble for her mom. She was okay staying here with her grandma.

Anastasia tenderly kissed Pattie's forehead, realizing her mother had predicted this.

Pattie didn't want to move to Salstrom Manor, and Anastasia understood why.

"Pattie, I promise, once Grandma's feeling better, I'll bring your brother and sister back, and we can all be together again," she reassured, not wanting to upset Katelyn further or risk losing the connection with Emmie and Nancy. Building relationships takes time and effort.

the child's unfamiliarity, and Emmie's indifferent gaze stung her heart. How heartbreaking it would be if her own children felt distant

her the legal representative, she

might face difficulties at Salstrom Manor

Anastasia, her voice full of love: "Mom, I love you. You're my favorite. I know you love me

sweetheart," Anastasia said, feeling a pang

sparkling: "Being your daughter

up with tears again. With such a considerate daughter and a pair of adorable

reached up to wipe away her mother's tears: "I understand, Mom. You've got the toughest job. Please try to be

difficulties. She was content living here

mentioned her father, not wanting to make her mother

a sense

need to rely on a glass of wine to

didn't dream

Christen to move her belongings to Salstrom Manor.

her maternity leave, Anastasia had familiarized

vel

understanding that there was a