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.

Even if they did,

small, thoughtful ways, but Anastasia's anxious heart no longer noticed. She had no idea that all the tonics and nourishing foods from the kitchen were his

bring himself to fully trust Anastasia. Plus,

seemed to notice the subtle shift between them. Anastasia spent her days looking after the kids, working on new design sketches,

was back in town, throwing himself into the middle of Salma and

birthday was coming up fast, and Katelyn had nearly finished

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 Katelyn couldn't wait to see

order, Katelyn got a call from Autumn inviting

closer to her. While most people tried to curry favor with Autumn for her connections to Mr. Walker, Autumn was actually working on Katelyn, all

when they

"So, Katelyn, whatever happened

replied with a smile.

trying to stir things up. "If it were me, I'd never let something like that slide. What

what

an eye

worry. Ana and