The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The moment Anastasia laid eyes on Herman, lying pale and still in the hospital bed, a wave of emotion overwhelmed her. The once vibrant and tender man she knew was now a shadow of himself, stirring a deep sorrow within her. Guilt, regret, and heartache intertwined in her chest. She held Herman's hand, her gaze lingering on the bandage wrapped around his wounded chest. The stark white gauze barely concealed the traces of blood, and her tears broke free once more. "Herman," she choked out, her voice hoarse with emotion, "I'm so sorry, it's all my fault. You big dummy, why would you be so reckless? I'm not worth you getting hurt over..."

Ever since the day they wed, Herman had been her shield against the storms of life. He bore every hardship silently, on his own. She didn't blame him for wanting a divorce; she just ached for the fool who risked his life for her.

Anastasia laid her head on Herman's chest, her tears streaming down her nose, dripping onto his chest. "Herman, please wake up. I don't ask for anything more, just open your eyes and look at me, please. It's me, Anastasia."

Her voice was thick with tears, the first time she truly understood the meaning of heart-wrenching pain. She was willing to let go of all her bitterness, just for his safety.

"Herman, I'm here." Anastasia gazed at his face, holding his hand against her cheek, her voice laden with love and grief, "To have been your wife is a chapter in my life I'll never regret. But if there's another life, I hope we don't meet again-I can't bear to see you suffer. Once you're better, we'll return to our separate lives. Thank you for all the joy and beautiful memories you've given me this past year. I love you."

Leaning down, Anastasia kissed Herman's lips, her tears falling onto his face. She ached for him to open his eyes and see her once more. Clutching his hand, she kept talking to him, though it was more like talking to herself in the silent room, as he couldn't respond. She recounted their memories together, not noticing the tear that escaped from the corner of Herman's eye, quickly absorbed by the pillow, unseen.

Then her phone buzzed-it was a message from Monica, warning her to leave quickly as Flynn was on his way back to the room. Now divorced from Herman and with Granny Anita's passing still fresh, the Salstrom family harbored resentment towards Anastasia. They agreed to let her go on the condition that she and Herman never see each other again. If the Salstroms caught her here, it would spell disaster.noveldrama

Reluctantly, Anastasia kissed Herman's cheek once more, whispering, "You have to wake up. I want to see the man you once were, full of life and spirit." Hearing footsteps outside, Anastasia forced herself to leave. She slipped out of the room and hid around the corner, watching Flynn return down the hallway and enter the room before she allowed herself to depart with ease.

As soon as she left, Flynn entering the room noticed Herman's fingers twitch-after three days of unconsciousness. "Big brother, big brother," Flynn called out, overcome with excitement. He noticed the tear at the corner of Herman's eye and rushed to get a doctor. Meanwhile, Anastasia had made it out of the hospital and into Monica's car. Noticing the tear stains on Anastasia's face, Monica suggested, "Why don't you come over tonight? If you weren't still recovering, I'd take you out for a drink to forget all this." Anastasia hadn't had proper rest since her miscarriage, still trying to heal.

Leaning back in the car seat, she calmed herself and replied, "Just take me home, please."

"Alright," Monica agreed, starting the car. "My shop's quiet lately, I'll stay over at your place for a few days."

Anastasia knew Monica was worried about her, not trusting Salma to manage alone. She mustered a weak smile, "I'd like that."

As Monica drove towards the rental, she suddenly remembered something odd, "You know, Ana, something's been bugging me. When Gianna and I went to the station for you, she never asked about you. But when she heard Herman was in the hospital, she rushed over there. Isn't that strange? She barely knows Herman. Why the concern?"

Anastasia was silent, pondering the mystery as the city lights blurred past the car windows.