The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Tying a man down most effectively means making sure he's got nowhere else to go.

Ashley was still legally Tavon's wife, and with Tavon laid up with a stroke, everything that belonged to the Morton family was within her and their children's grasp.

Suddenly, Anastasia's thoughts drifted to Joey's paralysis. After Joey was paralyzed, it was only natural for Gianna to escape his clutches and claim all his assets as her own. Hearing about Tavon's stroke, Anastasia couldn't help but suspect foul play in Joey's condition.noveldrama

But none of that mattered now. Joey had thrown acid at Gianna, committing a vicious assault, and as a paralyzed man, his life was effectively over.

Anastasia spoke on the phone, "Mom, don't panic. I'm coming to Willowbrook tomorrow. Just hold off on doing anything rash."

"Okay, I know," Salma replied. "I'm back at the hotel now. Hurry up, will you? I'm at my wit's end here."

"Will do."

After hanging up, Anastasia texted Herman. She couldn't take Pattie with her to Willowbrook; she'd have to leave her with Herman.

At Salstrom Manor, Feiman sat alone on the living room couch, feeling like a solitary widower with his wife gone and his sons never visiting.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up, surprised to see Herman coming home at this hour.

Feiman stood up quickly, "Herman, you're back. Are you hungry? I can ask the housekeeper to whip something up."

"I've eaten," Herman replied, his heart softening at the sight of Feiman. "Dad, have you had dinner?"

"Yes."

His son's concern caught Feiman off guard.

Herman got straight to the point, "Dad, when Anastasia and I got married, it was a rushed courthouse affair. We didn't have a proper wedding, and we didn't tell you. I'm planning to have a real wedding with her, to renew our vows. I wanted to get your take on it." Herman had intended to simply inform his father, but seeing Feiman's weathered face, he softened his approach.

Feiman had expected this conversation. He sighed, "I went through hell and back for Joseph's wedding, and he didn't treasure it. I never imagined Julie would be the death of your grandmother. My eyes aren't what they used to be. I can't judge people well anymore. Today, I saw the bracelet on Anastasia's wrist. That's a Salstrom family heirloom your mother gave her, meant for the daughter-in-law. She's accepted Anastasia."

"Dad, if you have no objections, I'll set a date," Herman replied.

Feiman looked at Herman solemnly, "Think it through, Herman. Anastasia's miscarriage took a toll on her. The doctors said she couldn't get pregnant again. A marriage without children to bind it can run into trouble."

"If my feelings for Anastasia needed a child to hold them together, that would be my fault, my failure," Herman mused.

"Dad, meeting Anastasia was fate. Everything we've been through only makes me more determined to cherish our time together. Our marriage was both random and meant to be. In that moment, by some fluke, some twist of fate, I agreed to marry her. Her kindness, her resilience, her optimism about life, and her unconditional trust in me have convinced me she's the one I want to spend my life with."

Feiman listened quietly, deeply moved.

Herman continued, "When Anastasia had that car accident, I was terrified of losing her. It wasn't an accident. This afternoon, one of Devin's guys confessed that Julie had ordered the hit. Devin found a scapegoat. I promised Anastasia happiness, yet because of me, she's been hurt time and again, even nearly losing her life. The child... it's a pain in her heart..."

His voice thick with emotion, Herman felt a profound ache for Anastasia's sacrifices.

"Dad, Anastasia's health isn't suited for pregnancy, but she chose to keep the baby. She was gambling with her life. That child might have been our only one. No one knows how deep her pain goes now that the child is gone." Feiman had never heard his eldest son speak so candidly about his feelings.

Herman's tone was steady as he recounted Anastasia's suffering, making Feiman aware of how much she had endured.

Feiman rubbed his knee thoughtfully, "You make your own decision, son. If I'd had your resolve back in the day, I wouldn't have hurt two women, and Joseph wouldn't hate me."