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.

Not wanting

made him

he'd felt nothing. That's when he realized he

slip-ups, he knew he wasn't George, no matter what anyone said. He saw no point in

sleep, Anastasia was restless. She kept murmuring his name, reaching out for

cross-legged on the carpet, gently holding her hand, their fingers laced together. Only then did Anastasia finally settle, her

stayed there for ages.

his legs were completely numb. Worried she'd

ve

away to the couch

until almost noon. She'd slept for nearly

she felt rested her fever

realized Herman wasn't there. Panic shot through her. She didn't even bother with slippers, just ran out barefoot to find

spotted Salma in the hallway. "Mom,

she was convinced it

Salma 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 losing

over Anastasia. "I thought I dreamed

washing up, she headed to the playroom, where the