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.

silence grew heavier. People stared

slapped. But suddenly, it all made sense-why he'd come back to Riverdale but hadn't come home. He

I'm your

Herman with hope in

just shook his

closer. "Mr.

in,

stayed blank. Monica finally said what everyone was thinking. "If he

Dailey exchanged

made sense-wives and kids came

and Monica hung back. Jason offered a hand, "I'm Jason. We went to high school and college together. I work at the precinct

“I'm Monica, your

rolling, Feiman tried to lighten things up. "I'm Feiman-your

right in, "And I'm

the tension in

up, "I'm

"Nelson, your

"Dailey-your buddy for

forget

in, dropping his bag at

reintroduced themselves, until finally it was