The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Gianna's face was an open book-etched with worry, the kind that spoke volumes about her feelings for Herman. Not once did she ask about Anastasia's fate. Monica had tried to keep her thoughts at bay, but Gianna's words made that impossible. Flynn's voice broke through the tension, "My big brother's just been rushed to the hospital, and I've got no idea what's going on. I need to get there. Monica, can you take Pattie home? The Salstroms are in total disarray; I can't look after her right now." Pattie, upon hearing about her father's hospitalization, burst into tears, "Uncle, I want to see Daddy. Is Daddy going to die? I don't want to lose Mommy or Daddy."

"Pattie, sweetheart, be a good girl. Uncle's heading to the hospital to check on Daddy. The doctors are amazing; he's going to be just fine. Can you go home with your godmother for now?" Flynn pleaded, urgency lacing his voice. Turning to Monica, he said, "I've got to go. Please, take care of Pattie."

Monica took Pattie's hand, reassuring her with a simple, "Okay."

Gianna chimed in, "Flynn, let me come with you."

In his current state, Flynn had no time to question Gianna's motives; he was too preoccupied with worry. "Just follow my car," he said hastily.

Monica stood with Pattie, watching Gianna's concerned figure disappear with Flynn, her mind racing with thoughts.noveldrama

She couldn't afford to delve deep into speculation. Gianna was Anastasia's cousin, after all surely her concern was innocent. With so much chaos unfolding, Monica's primary concern was Anastasia's well-being and her safe return. Everything else would have to wait. Scooping up Pattie, Monica said, "Let's go find your grandmother, Pattie. You heard them-your mom's going to be okay. Just stick with me, alright?"

At the hospital.

Herman had been taken straight to the emergency room, where Riverdale's top surgeons had gathered, pooling the hospital's finest resources to save him. Feiman had received over a dozen stitches-nothing serious.

Katelyn was a bundle of nerves outside the emergency room, hands clasped in prayer, while Collin was bustling around, offering help.

Inside, Herman, drifting in and out of consciousness, muttered Anastasia's name the person he couldn't stop worrying about.

"What are you trying to say, Mr. Salstrom?" The doctor leaned in closer to hear his weak voice.

"Anastasia... Anastasia," Herman whispered.

The doctor understood and stepped out to where Katelyn was waiting anxiously. "How's my son?" she asked immediately.

"The attending surgeon is doing everything possible. Mr. Salstrom kept calling for someone named Anastasia. Who is she?" the doctor inquired. "His will to live seems weak. Without his own desire to survive, even the best surgeon can't save a man who wishes to die." These words shook Katelyn to the core, tears streaming down her face. She knew her son all too well-Herman had given up on life the moment he agreed to Feiman's terms.

Choking back sobs, Katelyn said, "Tell my son that we'll only leave Anastasia alone if he survives. If he dares to give up, we won't spare her either."

Katelyn hoped the threat would ignite Herman's instinct to live.

"Alright," the doctor replied, heading back into the emergency room. Feiman, having treated his wound, arrived just as Flynn and Gianna did.

"How's my son?" Feiman asked, approaching Katelyn.

She could barely speak through her tears, "It's grim. He keeps calling for Anastasia. It's as if he's determined to die. What curse has befallen the Salstroms for such tragedy?"

Feiman went numb at her words. In a moment, he seemed to age decades, sagging like a frosted eggplant, sitting silently on a nearby bench.

Gianna, witnessing the depth of Herman's love, stared at the closed doors of the emergency room, as if they were the gates to Herman's heart-a heart that only opened for Anastasia. Now, with the doors shut, it seemed unlikely they would ever open again. On the way to the hospital, Gianna had felt a twisted sense of relief that Herman was divorcing Anastasia. But now, she wasn't sure if there was anything to be thankful for anymore.