The Bound Between Us

Chapter 811

The way the kids clung to Herman, laughing and pulling at his sleeves, made him feel like he finally belonged. For the first time in ages, his wandering soul felt like it had come home.

There was no mistaking the warmth he felt with Anastasia and the children. With Sandy and Nicholas, there was always a sense of distance. But here, with them, everything felt right. He felt grounded.

Anastasia didn't want to interrupt. Once everyone else had gone, she lingered just outside the yard, quietly watching the sweet scene unfold. Her heart felt lighter than it had in months.

Salma came over, wrapping her cardigan a bit tighter. "Ana, honey, you should get some rest. He's home now-he's not going anywhere. Just look at yourself, you're completely worn out."

Anastasia hadn't slept all night. She'd rushed to Willowbrook and barely closed her eyes in days. Now that Herman was home, she could finally breathe again.

"I'll go rest in a bit," Anastasia replied, worry flickering in her eyes. "He's only just come back. I'm afraid it's all a bit much for him."

"You always put everyone else first, especially your son-in-law. I'm more worried you'll wear yourself out," Salma said, her voice full of motherly concern. After living together these past months, she'd seen how hard Anastasia had struggled.

Anastasia managed a tired smile. Her body ached, her head felt heavy, and she could sense a fever coming on. Still, she couldn't bring herself to rest, afraid she'd wake up and find it had all been just a dream.

Everything that happened today felt surreal—like a wild, beautiful dream she wasn't ready to let go of.

Salma talking in the yard. He gently placed the kids in their playpen and turned to Pattie.

to ear. She was simply thrilled

the kids were settled, Herman stepped outside. Salma saw him coming and, with a

her down, Anastasia greeted him with a bright smile, wanting him to

want to

few strands of her hair, and he could see just how tired she was-how she was holding

ache pricked his chest. Without thinking, he reached

He was so close; she could smell the faint, familiar scent of him, and her cheeks

her cheek, gazing up at him. "Thank you for coming back," she whispered. "I don't know what I would've done without you. I just... I need

along her cheek, his voice low and rough.

those dreams for weeks now-vivid, tangled dreams that faded when he woke. He could never quite

said, her voice thick. "I'm your wife Anastasia. I've been dreaming about you too. I knew you wouldn't just leave us. I can't stand the thought

burying her face in his chest. She'd put her

hands, and she

Herman felt whole for the first time

to remember it all, but his