The Bound Between Us

James's words lingered with Herman.

From that day on, he really did keep his distance from Anastasia. He even asked the housekeeper to make sure she got extra nourishing meals-chicken soup, slow-cooked stews, homemade desserts-anything to help her regain her strength.

For the next two weeks, Herman didn't touch Anastasia at all. The change had her feeling anxious and uneasy.

Had she hurt his pride with her earlier refusal?

Though Herman no longer made any moves, he still pulled her close every night when they slept. Anastasia was puzzled. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but the words got stuck in her throat. Instead, she tried to show affection in little ways, hoping he'd respond.

But every time she reached out, Herman gently moved her hand away. "Let's get some sleep. It's late," he said.

The rejection felt like being doused with icy water.

Ever since Herman's memory loss, the only time they truly felt close was in their most private moments. Now, even that connection was gone. It felt like the bridge between them had quietly vanished.

Their relationship slipped back to polite small talk and courteous smiles-like they were just two people living under the same roof, not husband and wife.

Herman quietly wondered if there was something going on between Anastasia and Rowan. Anastasia, meanwhile, worried if Herman had feelings for Sandy.

their suspicions. Even if they did, would it change

Anastasia's anxious heart no longer noticed. She had no idea that all

himself to fully trust Anastasia. Plus, with

seemed to notice the subtle shift between them. Anastasia spent her days looking after the kids, working on new design sketches, or visiting Monica when she needed a

throwing himself into the middle of Salma and Adam's drama, and Anastasia let him handle it

and Katelyn had nearly

day, Katelyn placed an order for an extravagant eight-layer birthday cake from a famous pastry chef. Each layer had a different theme and flavor chocolate, lemon, strawberry, pistachio, you name it. The cake cost a small fortune, but

she finished the cake order, Katelyn got a call from

reason to get closer to her. While most people tried to curry favor with Autumn for her

when they were done, Autumn suggested they grab dinner

Katelyn, whatever happened with that situation with your daughter-in-law? Didn't you want to

replied with

honestly," Autumn said, trying to stir things up. "If it were me, I'd never let something like that slide. What if you hadn't

what

keep an

off. "Autumn, don't worry. Ana and my son are rock