The Bound Between Us

Chapter 980

When the anesthesia wore off, Pattie slowly came to. Her throat felt raw, burning with every breath-like she'd swallowed shards of glass. She couldn't speak, not even a whisper; even swallowing was almost impossible.

Every attempt to swallow felt like forcing down razor blades. The pain brought tears to her eyes, and Herman and Anastasia stood by, looking utterly helpless.

Herman crouched beside her, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Pattie, the surgery went perfectly. Just hang in there a little longer, okay? Once the bandages come off, you'll be able to talk again. You're our superstar, aren't you?"

Anastasia leaned in and stroked Pattie's hair. "Mom and Dad are right here, sweetheart. Don't be scared. You're the bravest girl I know."

Pattie managed a watery nod, determination shining through her tears.

Right now, Anastasia didn't care about anything outside that hospital room. All she wanted was to help Pattie through the rough days ahead, longing for the moment she'd hear her little girl call her "Mom" again.

Everything else faded to the background-including Asher. Anastasia updated Rowan: Asher was beyond saving. He'd confessed to assaulting Julie, and that alone would be enough to lock him up for three years.

She texted Hanna, telling her to get Rowan out of Riverdale as soon as possible.

***

Willowbrook.

arrived at the

wasn't about to risk bumping into the

room, only Sean and

open the door, and both kids looked up. Sean's face was tight with anger, his words sharp. "Mom ends up like this

doctors had said there was no hope-she

hands with a cloth. She glanced at

you two when

from the third floor of their own house, early in the

spilling over. "Now you want to question us? Where were you, Dad? With your

father," Tavon barked, his voice rising. "Where were you when

couldn't stop thinking about it-who chooses to die first thing in the morning, still in pajamas? Ashley always cared so much about her looks. Even if she meant to end it,

just didn't

emotionless. "I was still asleep when it happened. The Morton Group mess had me stressed, so drank and went to bed early. Sean was at his apartment. The housekeeper found Mom at seven, called me, and I rushed over. There was a note