The Bound Between Us

Chapter 812

When Herman couldn't remember his past, he clung to his own sense of boundaries. He kept Anastasia at arm's length, even though deep down, he wanted nothing more than to close the distance.

Anastasia dropped her gaze, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "You know, I just remembered... When I first moved to Harmony Meadows, you were so worried I'd feel awkward that you set up a guest room for me. When we first got married, we were basically polite strangers. And now, it feels like we're back at square one—- everything's so familiar, but at the same time... it all feels so foreign."

Back then, Herman would come home and the first thing he did was wrap her in a hug. At night, he couldn't fall asleep unless he was holding her. Now, all that closeness felt distant and strange.

Herman wanted to say something, but the words stuck. After a long pause, all he managed was, "I'm sorry. I forgot you."

That stung even more. Anastasia forced a smile, her voice soft. "It's alright. Go take your shower before the water gets cold."

Herman saw the sadness in her eyes, his own gaze dimming. He clutched his pajamas, turned away, and disappeared into the bathroom.

Once he was gone, Anastasia tipped her head back, blinking away tears. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

After she calmed down, she grabbed a fresh blanket and made up a bed on the couch. The kids were in good hands with Salma and the nanny-she just didn't have the energy to be mom tonight. As soon as she finished, she crawled under the covers and fell asleep almost instantly.

She was bone-tired, her body aching—the kind of ache that warned a fever was coming.

She'd taken some cold medicine, so her sleep was heavy and dreamless. She had no idea when Herman came out of the bathroom.

Herman finished his shower, he saw her asleep, peaceful and still. Not wanting to wake

him feel

remembered watching Sandy like this before, but he'd felt nothing. That's when he realized he and Sandy never

anyone said. He saw no point

kept murmuring his

carpet, gently holding her hand, their fingers

there for ages.

sky started to lighten, his legs were completely numb. Worried she'd wake

ve

her, he finally slipped away

almost noon. She'd slept

the first time in days, she felt rested her fever had broken, and

there. Panic shot through her. She didn't even bother with slippers, just

in the hallway. "Mom,

moment, she was convinced it

said, then fussed, "And where are your slippers? You'll catch cold running around like that! Go back and put something on your feet." Salma's heart ached-Anastasia must have been so scared of

thought I dreamed it," she

she headed to the playroom, where