The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Julie's fingers traced her swelling belly as she watched the news flicker on the TV screen. A dark flash of resolve cut through her eyes, fueled by the insults Joseph and Herman had thrown her way. "Dad, I'll follow your lead," Julie said through clenched teeth. "I'm going to be the lady of the Salstrom estate. I'll make sure we're the ones calling the shots."

"That's the spirit, Jules," Devin said confidently, his mind already spinning with grander schemes. "Keep your cool for now. I'll smooth things over with Joseph. He's just a bastard son craving recognition from the Salstroms. He needs this opportunity as much as we do." The news of Herman and his wife Anastasia's divorce brought joy to more than just Julie.

Gianna, catching the broadcast, felt a surge of delight. Finally, Herman was free.

And then there was Cynthia, nearly jumping for joy. "Gianna, did you catch the news? Anastasia and Herman are divorced! This is fantastic-your chance has arrived. Make sure you're a fixture at the hospital these days, show some care for your future son-in-law. And get in good with your future mother-in-law. Mrs. Salstrom's in a fragile state and could use some comforting." Cynthia spoke as if Gianna's entry into the Salstrom family was a done deal.

Gianna, tasting the sweetness of the idea, said, "Mom, I've got to step out. Now that Herman's single, I need to deal with Joey Edmunds. I'll pay him a visit at the nursing home."

Gianna was desperate to reclaim her single status.

She drove straight to the nursing home where Joey lay paralyzed, neglected to the point of developing sores and emitting a foul stench. In just half a year, he had withered to skin and bones. Approaching his door, Gianna already smelled the stench and covered her nose, fighting nausea as she entered. "Hey Joey, came to see you."

Joey's eyes burned with anger at the sight of her. "You witch, what do you want?"

Gianna had instructed the staff to do the bare minimum for Joey, keeping him barely alive.

With Gianna's word, Joey's days were hellish. Neglected, he'd soil himself and wait hours for help, fed less than a stray dog.

Looking at the pitiful sight of Joey, Gianna tsked. "If I were you, I'd bite my own tongue. Better off dead than living like this."

"As long as you're alive, I won't give up," Joey spat with venom. "I'll live to see you get what's coming to you."

Gianna pulled out divorce papers. "I'm tired of this game, Joey. Thumbprint here, we divorce, and I'll send you back to the countryside. You can reunite with your parents."

Joey was surprised she was letting him go. "What's your angle now?"

"You disgust me, and you don't deserve a spot in my life." Gianna pressed his thumb into the ink and onto the paper.noveldrama

After the thumbprint, Gianna sneered, "This place reeks. I can't stand another second here. Tomorrow, you're gone."

She left Joey seething with fury, only realizing her rush to divorce when he overheard the staff gossiping about Herman's divorce. Gianna had been waiting for Herman to be single. Three days passed in a blur.

Ana sat in detention, silent and hollow, a shell of her former self.

Meanwhile, Herman had yet to awaken in the hospital, causing panic and international doctors to flock to his side.

When Ana stepped out into the blinding sunlight on her release day, she shielded her eyes reflexively.

How long had it been since she'd seen such a bright day?

"Ana."

"Ana."

"Mom."

Monica, Salma, and Pattie had been waiting eagerly at the detention center gates. Excited beyond words, they ran toward Ana.

Ana lowered her hand, facing the three most important people in her life-her mother, her daughter, and her best friend. Her first words to them: "Is he awake?"