The Bound Between Us

Chapter 809

With thousands gathered and millions more watching on TV, Herman didn't dare confess that he couldn't remember a thing about his past. That kind of caution was hardwired in him—just part of being a businessman. If word got out that he'd lost his memory, well, who knew what kind of trouble that would bring.

An hour later, Herman followed Anastasia back to Southridge Estates. The second he stepped inside and saw the two babies babbling on the carpet, his heart softened in a way he hadn't expected.

Sandy hadn't lied-he really did have a wife and kids.

As soon as Pattie spotted him, her whole face lit up. She ran straight for him, waving her arms, shouting, "Daddy, you're home! Daddy!" She was practically dancing with excitement.

But Herman just frowned, glancing at Anastasia in confusion. "She's my daughter too?"

Sandy had only ever mentioned the twins-a boy and a girl. So where did this older girl come from?

The room went silent. Nobody seemed to know what to say.

Anastasia was the first to find her voice. "Of course she is. That's Pattie, your daughter. Herman, are you alright?"

Everyone looked at him, waiting for some kind of explanation.

He took a breath, eyes moving from face to face. "I... I don't remember anything from before. I don't even know who I am. Sandy told me my wife's name is Anastasia, that I have two kids. My name's Herman, right?"

He realized, just then, that Sandy had never actually told him his name.

heavier. People

all made sense-why he'd come back to Riverdale

over, her voice trembling. "Herman, I'm your mom! Don't you

at Herman with hope

shook

edged closer. "Mr. Salstrom,

jumped in,

finally said what everyone was thinking. "If he can't even recognize Ana and the kids,

and Dailey

it made sense-wives and kids

and Monica hung back. Jason offered a hand, "I'm Jason. We went

“I'm Monica, your wife

tried to

right in, "And I'm Katelyn, your

everyone chuckle, and the tension in the room started to

up,

your

buddy for almost

"Don't forget

at the

one, everyone reintroduced themselves, until finally it was