The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The call was from Katelyn, or so Julie guessed just before she overheard Herman telling Katelyn on the line, "I'm with Anastasia at the hospital. Yeah, we're here for a prenatal checkup. Still inside. No results yet. I'll call you back once we get them..."

A prenatal checkup? Anastasia was pregnant?

Jealousy flared up in Julie's heart. Weren't they saying she couldn't conceive? How did she manage to get pregnant again? That's some kind of luck.

Afraid Herman might spot her, Julie didn't dare stick around. She kept her head down and pretended to walk off casually in another direction. Herman, engrossed in the call, didn't notice her.

Julie didn't really leave; she hid around a corner, waiting for Anastasia to come out of the examination room. She then eavesdropped as the doctor congratulated Anastasia and Herman, "Congratulations, you're expecting twins..."

The news of twins clenched Julie's heart with envy. Such incredible fortune, and it landed right in Anastasia's lap?

Thinking about her own child with Joseph Salstrom, not even knowing where the kid was now, and her wedding day, tarnished and humiliating, compared to Anastasia's grand celebration- and now, Anastasia was pregnant with twins. Julie's envy and resentment burned fiercely.

The twins' news took both Herman and Anastasia by surprise, filling them with ecstatic joy. Amidst all their recent troubles, this was the silver lining they needed.

Anastasia, her voice trembling with excitement, said to Herman, "It's the baby, our baby coming back to us..."

It was like their lost baby had returned. It felt like fate was finally smiling on them, blessing them with twins to heal all past hurts. Herman, gripping Anastasia's hand tightly, was visibly moved.

After thanking the doctor and asking for some advice, Herman and Anastasia were about to leave, prompting Julie to quickly exit the hospital.

Herman shared the twins' news with Katelyn, who was overjoyed for them. Some rejoiced, others despaired.

Returning home from the hospital, Julie grew more and more frustrated. She was living in hiding, while Anastasia seemed to enjoy endless good fortune.

"If I'd known, I wouldn't have gotten rid of Granny Anita. Keeping that old woman around might've been useful. Now, I've cleared the path for Anastasia, making her life in the Salstrom family a breeze. And now she's expecting twins. Life just isn't fair."

Julie turned to Rowan, who was smoking nearby: "Where's Kun? I need to see him. I did him a favor by getting Flynn locked up. He owes me. I can't stand seeing Anastasia so happy, and now she's pregnant again. I want those babies gone."

"You're just green with envy. Didn't you get that checked out at the hospital?" Rowan scoffed. "Kun doesn't need your advice on what to do."

"Rowan, we're in this together. If you don't make a move, I will," Julie spat bitterly. "I won't let Anastasia have it easy."

"Be my guest," Rowan crushed his cigarette, indifferent. "If you're itching for a quicker exit, go ahead."

Julie was livid: "I can't stand seeing Anastasia living it up."

"You'll have to," Rowan shot her a cold glance. "Keep low for now. Don't do anything rash. Wait for Kun's instructions."

Unsatisfied, Julie asked, "What about my son? Where did you guys take him?"

Rowan left without answering, leaving Julie fuming with anger.

The news of Anastasia's twins reached Katelyn, who immediately bought a bunch of health supplements and visited Southridge Estates.

"Ana, you need to take care of yourself now. Everything else can wait."

Katelyn was referring to the search for Pattie but didn't elaborate to keep Anastasia from worrying.

Anastasia knew what was expected and agreed, "Okay."

"That's my girl. Let me know if you need anything," Katelyn beamed, looking at Anastasia's bump. "Our family's been through a lot lately. These babies are a godsend, hopefully bringing good fortune to the Salstrom family." Salma brought in some fruit, advising, "Ana, you can't be reckless anymore. Think of the babies first."

Everyone was now focused on Anastasia's wellbeing, babying her to ensure she wouldn't strain herself. Anastasia didn't object. If it eased her family's worries, why not comply?

After experiencing so much, Anastasia had grown more composed, considering things more thoroughly. She spent the next few days at home, resting, while Dailey kept a close watch on Gianna for her.

Eventually, Gianna left her house, heading straight to a supermarket far from her neighborhood to stock up on bread and pre-cooked meals, likely for Pattie.

Dailey, watching from across the street, snapped photos of Gianna's purchases, puzzled by her actions. Why shop so far from home?

Following Gianna, he stayed on her trail, determined to uncover her plans.