The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The unexpected visitor was none other than Gianna. Herman hadn't had much interaction with her, so seeing her here caught him off guard.

Gianna, equally surprised to find Herman alone in his hospital room, saw this as an opportunity for some one-on-one time. She entered with a thermos and a warm smile. "Mr. Salstrom, how are you feeling? I brought you some homemade chicken noodle soup. It's really

hearty, you should try it."

Herman just stared at her, expressionless and silent, making no move towards the soup.

Realizing she might have been too forward, Gianna sat down and said, "I'm here on behalf of Anastasia. She couldn't make it and asked me to check on you. Your falling out with her has been quite surprising and unfortunate."

Gianna deliberately mentioned Anastasia, knowing she was the only connection between her and Herman at the moment.

Herman's eyes flickered slightly. "How is she?"

"She's worried about you," Gianna lied, seizing the chance to dig deeper. "Mr. Salstrom, is there really no chance for you and Anastasia?"

Herman's voice was low. "Saving her was my condition. Maybe if she had never met me, none of this would have happened."

Gianna felt a twinge of hope. "You still love her, don't you?"

Herman pressed his lips together and remained silent. If he didn't love her, why would he have taken such drastic measures to atone to Granny Anita?

His silence was answer enough.

Seeing Herman so steeped in sorrow, Gianna felt a pang of sympathy. "Mr. Salstrom, this too shall pass. Try the soup, at least. That way, I can report back to Anastasia," she urged.

Gianna ladled some soup and handed it to Herman. Reluctantly, out of respect for Anastasia, he accepted the bowl. "Thank you."

He took a few symbolic sips, and even that small gesture was enough to lift Gianna's spirits. Herman had drunk her homemade soup.

Just then, a nurse came in to give Herman his medication. Gianna eagerly helped with the water and tissues, playing the role of the caring friend.

The nurse, new and oblivious to any gossip, mistook Gianna for Herman's girlfriend. "Mr. Salstrom, your girlfriend is so caring," she said admiringly.

The words 'your girlfriend' made Gianna's heart leap, but she quickly glanced at Herman. His face turned stony as he clarified, "You're mistaken, she's not my girlfriend."

Embarrassed, the nurse apologized. "Sorry about that, Mr. Salstrom. You should rest after your medication. Just ring the bell if you need anything."

"Thank you," Herman said flatly, and the nurse made a swift exit.

Sensing the tension, Gianna tried to speak, but Herman cut her off. "Miss Yang, please leave."

He used to call Gianna 'cousin'. Now, not even that.

Since he and Anastasia were no longer together, it was natural for him to distance himself from Gianna too.

Reading the room, Gianna accepted the dismissal. "Alright, I'll leave then. If there's any news about Anastasia, I'll let you know."

"There's no need," Herman said indifferently. "Anastasia and I are divorced. We have nothing to do with each other. I don't want to know about her affairs, so Miss Yang, you don't need to report anything to me." Gianna looked at Herman, puzzled. Was he really cutting ties so quickly?

"I'll be going then." Since she had no reason to stay and had managed to spend some time alone with him, Gianna left, feeling content. She was in no rush. Good things take time.

Over the following days, Herman recuperated in the hospital with Katelyn by his side. Julie had come snooping around but hadn't dared to show her face. With things so delicate, she couldn't risk upsetting Herman.

Gianna, using Anastasia as an excuse, visited a couple more times, bringing homemade broth, but Herman refused to indulge any further. Her attempts to befriend Katelyn also hit a wall; as Anastasia's cousin, she wasn't exactly welcome, nor was she disliked. This frustrated Gianna, who resented the connection with Anastasia, yet without it, she had no excuse to be near Herman.

Anastasia visited Herman every night, careful not to overstay or be seen, only daring to peek at him from the doorway when Katelyn was asleep. But one evening, as she left the hospital, Flynn spotted her. He said nothing, pretending not to notice. As Herman gradually improved, Anastasia could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

She had also moved Pattie to a new school, and Salma returned to her old job at the hotel as a housekeeper. Anastasia was still recovering from her miscarriage and, following tradition, was supposed to rest for a month. If she didn't take care of herself during this 'confinement period', it could lead to lasting health issues.

Anastasia had managed somewhat comfortably during her detention, thanks to Herman's arrangements - warm water for washing, nutritious food to strengthen her body. It seemed like life was slowly steering back to a better course.

On the day Aunt Anita was laid to rest, Anastasia was aware but did not attend the funeral. The day was shrouded in mist and a gentle drizzle. After dropping her daughter Pattie off at school, Anastasia hailed a cab and headed to Gianna's café.

As she stepped out of the cab, Anastasia paused at the entrance of the café, looking up at the sign that read "Ike's Café." A strange feeling washed over her. Perhaps it was Monica's reminder, or maybe it was a woman's intuition, but as Anastasia gazed at the name again, she subconsciously replaced "Ike" with "Fix." "Ike" and "Fix" sounded similar.

Anastasia entered the café. It was peak working hours, so there weren't many people out for coffee; just a few tables occupied by those meeting to discuss business or chat about work. "Welcome," greeted the server with a smile. "What can I get for you?"

"I'm here to see the owner," Anastasia replied with a soft smile. "Is she around? I'm her cousin."

"The boss is upstairs in her office. Would you like me to take you there?"

"No, thanks. I'll find my way," Anastasia said, heading upstairs. She was familiar with every nook and cranny of the café's décor and layout, as she was the one who had designed it.

Reaching the second floor, Anastasia stood outside the office door, overhearing Gianna on the phone. "Mom, I've divorced Joey. It's done. If the Edmunds want to make a fuss, just call the cops. What am I afraid of? If they think they can sue me, let them try. The Edmunds probably don't have the money or the energy to bother with me anymore. I'm single now, and who I see is my business..."

Anastasia furrowed her brows as she lingered outside the door. She hadn't heard about Gianna's divorce until now. When had Gianna divorced? Why the sudden decision? Anastasia remembered that Gianna had been planning to drag things out with the Edmunds to avoid tarnishing her reputation. What had made her change her mind?