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.

if they did, would it change anything, or

noticed. She had no idea that all the tonics and nourishing foods from the

memories, Herman just couldn't bring himself to fully trust Anastasia. Plus,

Anastasia spent her days looking after the kids, working on new design sketches,

in town, throwing himself into the middle of Salma

Pattie's birthday was coming up fast, and Katelyn had nearly finished all the

cake from a famous pastry chef. Each layer had a different theme and flavor chocolate, lemon, strawberry, pistachio, you name it. The

Katelyn got

curry favor with Autumn for her connections to Mr. Walker, Autumn was actually working on Katelyn, all for her

afternoon, and when they were done, Autumn

"So, Katelyn, whatever happened with

Katelyn replied with a smile. "That's all

I'd never let something like that slide. What if you hadn't caught it? Who

what

keep an

don't worry. Ana and my