The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

When Herman and Anastasia split, Gianna had secretly rejoiced. Now, that satisfaction had twisted into seething anger.

"What's got you all riled up?"

Colton walked in, catching sight of Gianna's murderous glare. He felt a shiver run down his spine: "Gianna."noveldrama

At the sound of his voice, her fury ebbed a bit: "Dad."

Colton sat beside her, his voice gentle and full of concern: "What's done is done. You've got a whole life ahead of you. Living well is what truly matters. You've still got your mom and me."

He knew his daughter's heart was aching and hoped to guide her away from the bitterness that had taken hold.

Harboring hate could rot the heart, and that was far worse than any physical scar.

"Dad, it's too much. Look at me. How can I face anyone again?" Gianna's voice was hoarse with emotion, her face in her hands as tears blurred her vision. "All those who used to fawn over me have vanished." "Who needs the insincere? Gianna, your parents will always be by your side. I hope you can let go of your resentment. That's the only way you'll find happiness, or else you'll be trapped in this pain forever." Colton was patient and persistent, trying to impart a different set of values compared to Cynthia's. He didn't want Gianna to be so fiercely competitive.

He took her hand, "I know how important looks can be to a girl, but there's something far more valuable."

Her curiosity piqued, "What's that?"

"A confident, kind heart." Colton continued, "Get your head in the right place, and you can overcome anything. I've asked a friend to find the best dermatologist for your treatment. Even if we can't restore everything, we can make a significant improvement." Colton was sowing seeds of hope for the future.

Gianna was listening, reflecting on her past actions.

Colton seized the moment, "You've always been outstanding in my eyes, my pride and joy. I believe you'll come around and let go of the hatred, right?"

Gianna fell into a deep silence.

"What nonsense are you filling Gianna's head with now?" Cynthia appeared, disapproving of Colton's approach. "Gianna, don't listen to your dad. You're too good to let others take all the good fortune. We can't admit defeat."

Colton frowned, frustrated: "Cynthia, all your life's competitiveness... Are you wanting our daughter to follow in your footsteps? Look at you; what has all this fighting gotten you? Take Salma, for instance. You've always wanted to outdo her. Have you ever managed that? She never even cared, just focused on her life, and now she's living the good life."

To Cynthia, this was an insinuation that she was inferior to Salma in every way.

"I've been competitive for the sake of our family. Salma just got lucky. Not everyone can have good luck forever."

"Exactly, which is why fortunes can change. Accept reality and focus on what's important: getting our daughter the help she needs."

"I don't need you to worry about my daughter," Cynthia snapped back. "Leave. Not a single word you say is pleasant to hear."

Colton left the room, his hands thrown up in exasperation.

The argument had left Gianna frazzled. "I need to get out for a bit."

Her face was wrapped in bandages, hiding the ugly wounds, giving her the courage to venture outside.

Cynthia, hearing Gianna's desire to get some air, offered, "I'll get a wheelchair to take you out."

Gianna's tone was cold: "No need. I just want to walk alone. My legs are fine."

Before Cynthia could respond, Gianna was already out the door.

Clenching her teeth, Cynthia was also aware of the news about Herman and Anastasia's wedding. It seemed all the good fortune was with Anastasia.

Gianna found a bench in the small park beneath the hospital windows and sat down. The most common topic she overheard was the upcoming wedding of Anastasia and Herman.

It was the talk of the town.

Anastasia's fortune was the envy of ninety-nine percent of women.

Gianna sat with her head down as patients, visitors, and medical staff occasionally passed by.

Suddenly, the conversation about Herman and Anastasia reached her ears again.

"Anastasia's one lucky lady. I thought she and Mr. Salstrom were finished last time."

"Yeah, who knew there'd be such a dramatic turnaround?"

"I heard that Anastasia and Mr. Salstrom got hitched soon after they met."

"No way. Anastasia knew Mr. Salstrom six years ago. I saw them with my own eyes, all over each other in a private booth. Now that was a sight!"

Six years ago?

Gianna's head snapped up at these words. She stood abruptly and grabbed the arm of the woman who'd been speaking.