The Bound Between Us

Chapter 935

It was Herman's scent-there was no mistaking it.

After so much time together, Anastasia noticed it right away, even in the dark. She reached out for the light, but before she could flip the switch, the room suddenly shimmered to life.

Tiny lights, like scattered stars, twinkled overhead—a sea of fairy lights strung across the ceiling, mimicking a galaxy just for them.

Anastasia looked up in surprise, warmth blooming quietly in her heart. Before she could say anything, strong arms slid around her waist from behind, pulling her close into that familiar embrace.

It was Herman. His warmth, his breath-he surrounded her, his presence wrapping around her like a favorite blanket. The heat of his breath brushed her neck, sending a ripple of shivers down her spine.

Leaning back against his chest, Anastasia nudged him, teasing, "You really treat me like a little kid sometimes, you know? Trying to cheer me up with something this... childish. I can't believe you actually thought of this."

First it was the silly plush orange, and now the starry lights-Herman really wanted to give her every kind of romance.

He smiled, lips brushing her ear. "I heard there's a butterfly migration in Yunnan Valley-millions of them, all at once. It's supposed to be breathtaking. Want to go? Or we could chase the northern lights, look for fireflies, see glaciers... Wherever you want, I'll go with you. As far as you want."

These were the kinds of things Anastasia used to read about in novels-fairytale romance she never dared to dream of. In real life, most grand gestures came with a price tag.

But Herman? He didn't have to worry about money.

He could give her all the adventures she wanted.

Whenever the city felt too loud and crowded, they could slip away-find wildflowers on a mountain, watch snow fall on a glacier, let the world slow down for just the two of them.

Anastasia turned in his arms, looping her hands around his neck, breathing in his scent like she couldn't get enough.

one knew how much she wanted to be close to

wanted nothing more than to hold him, to

he still wanted

to his lips-testing,

the kiss, his warmth and love pulling her

the "stars," they lost themselves in each other, letting their bodies

handsome face haloed by fairy lights, she

***

crept in

woke to the sounds of kids giggling

me play with the

way, trucks are for boys," Nancy retorted, ever the

firm: "Nancy, play

smiled, eyes still closed, wrapped in a sense

little troublemakers

him call, "Hey, your

chaos-two sets of little feet thundering down the hall, running for their

afraid of Pattie, their big sister-a healthy

Anastasia threw

just as Herman walked in grinning from ear to

"Please. That wasn't

and bolted. Now she's chasing

could find them, or cramming behind the curtains with their heads covered and their little butts