The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia and Salma arrived home early, stepping into a house that felt unusually silent. Salma's frustration was palpable as she flopped onto the couch, her forehead etched with lines of anger.

"I can't believe it," she fumed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Gianna falling for Herman? Friends' partners should be off-limits!"

Anastasia tried to distract herself from Salma's venting by heading to the kitchen to start dinner. Pattie, eager to help, began rinsing the lettuce a little domestic helper in the making.

As Anastasia chopped vegetables, her mind wandered back to Gianna's recent behavior. How could she have been so blind? Gianna's generosity, offering shares of the café, wasn't out of sisterhood but a ploy to get closer to Herman.

She recalled how Gianna would find any excuse to drop by, evenings filled with laughter and wine. It wasn't her company Gianna sought, but Herman's. She should have seen the signs, but denial had built walls around her heart. Even when Monica Franco had dropped hints, she had foolishly dismissed them.

The thought that her supposed best friend had been scheming for her husband all along made her stomach churn.

"Hey, Ana," Salma's voice broke through her thoughts, still laced with anger. "Gianna's ungrateful, after everything you did for her. Remember when she had that fallout with Joey? You were the one running around fixing things. You and Herman even bailed her out when she got arrested. And now she betrays you like this?"

Anastasia paused, the memory of waking Herman in the dead of night to help Gianna now felt like a betrayal. She had practically handed her husband over on a silver platter.

Trying to steer the conversation away, Anastasia looked at Salma and said, "Mom, let's not dwell on it. Could you peel some garlic? I'm making garlic mashed potatoes-Pattie's favorite."

Pattie's face lit up. "Thanks, Mom! You're the best."

"You little charmer," Anastasia chuckled. "Help me by washing the green beans. Once we're done eating, you've got homework to do. Your teacher posted some math problems and reading exercises in the class group."

Pattie puffed up with pride. "Mom, I got full marks on yesterday's quiz! The teacher even praised me."

"That's my girl," Anastasia said, her heart swelling with pride. "Just as bright as I was at your age."

Salma smiled, adding, "Pattie takes after you. Back in the day, you were always at the top of your class, and now she's on the same path. We're going to have a college grad in the family before you know it."

The mention of college tugged at a regret buried deep within Anastasia. She had dropped out, and now, with a crumbling marriage and no degree, job prospects were bleak.

"Mom, I'm sorry I let you down," she said softly, remembering her mother's hopes for her future.

Salma brushed off the apology with a smile. "Let's just focus on making our days count, raising Pattie right-that's all that matters now."

With a nod, Anastasia agreed. Her purpose was clear: to nurture her daughter and ensure a good life for them all.

The three worked together to finish preparing dinner, and soon they sat down to a simple yet satisfying meal.

"Plain food is just as good as any fancy banquet," Salma remarked with contentment.

Pattie, enjoying her garlic mashed potatoes, chimed in, "Mom's cooking is my favorite!"

Anastasia ruffled her daughter's hair affectionately. "Eat up and then it's homework time."

Life was full, and there was little space left for pondering past troubles. After dinner, Pattie tackled her studies while Anastasia worked on her jewelry and Salma tidied up. Their home was a symphony of collaborative effort.

By the time Pattie was asleep, the clock struck ten. Salma emerged from the bedroom and sat beside Anastasia, who was still hunched over her jewelry under the lamp's warm glow.noveldrama

"Ana," Salma said softly, her voice laced with concern, "don't work too late, and take care of your back."

Anastasia paused, her hands stilling on the necklace she was crafting. It was March now, and if things had been different, her baby would be born, probably inheriting Herman's charm. She looked out the window, her voice barely above a whisper, "Mom, if it weren't for what happened, my baby would have been born by now, right?"

That loss was not just Anastasia's burden to bear but also Salma's regret.

Salma's voice was heavy with self-reproach. "It's my fault. If only I had taken you to the hospital sooner, the baby might have been saved. That traffic jam... if we had arrived earlier, maybe..." Anastasia turned sharply to face her mother, a new realization dawning. "Mom, are you saying my baby could have been saved?"