The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

James shook his head, gently letting go of Anastasia's hands. "I gotta be honest with you, Annie. It's not a good idea to hold onto these hopes. With your health, trying for a baby might be pointless." Anastasia's face fell. "Is there really no chance at all? Dr. James, you're an amazing doctor; there must be something you can do. What about acupuncture? Can you try that on me?"

"Annie, after your miscarriage, it was a close call whether you'd even keep your uterus. Your immune system's shot, you're always getting sick, and your womb is full of scars. It just can't handle a pregnancy," James explained. "Herman adores you, and honestly, not having kids isn't the end of everything. He loves Pattie like his own."

"It's not the same. Pattie will never be Herman's biological daughter," Anastasia said, shaking her head. "I want him to have his own child."

Seeing her determination, James paused before saying, "I'll prescribe some herbal remedies to help build up your strength, but I can't promise anything. These herbs are meant to bolster your health. A strong body is essential for any chance."

"Thank you, Dr. James," Anastasia said, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Please keep this between us. If Herman finds out, he'll worry himself sick."

He'd definitely try to stop her from trying to conceive, not wanting her to suffer.

"Got it," James replied. "As your doctor, it's my duty to keep your secrets."

James prepared the herbal concoction for Anastasia, and she bravely took her first dose that evening.noveldrama

The bitterness of the herbs was intense, but to Anastasia, it symbolized hope, making it bearable.

To keep Herman from finding out, Anastasia took the herbs before he got home, carefully rinsing her mouth and washing up so no trace of the herbal scent remained. Time slipped by quickly.

Before they knew it, August had arrived in Riverdale.

There had been no word from the runaway Julie, and according to her due date, she was expected to give birth any day now.

Herman had sent out numerous people to search for her, but there was no trace.

In the president's office of Elysian Technologies.

Flynn had shown some improvement under Herman's guidance over the past few months, handling most tasks competently unless they were particularly tricky.

Worn out from a morning's work, Flynn slumped into Herman's office. "Boss, I haven't had a day off in months. How about cutting me some slack?"

"With your wedding to Annie next month and all the work we have, you're really asking for time off?" Herman tossed a stack of files at Flynn. "Get familiar with these."

"Oh, come on, Herman! Have a heart!" Flynn groaned dramatically. "Now I get why Joseph wanted nothing to do with the Salstrom family-he didn't want to be your slave. Smart guy." "Enough whining," Herman shot him a stern look. "Get to work."

"Hey, isn't Julie due soon?" Flynn switched gears. "She's been MIA, but it's about time for her to deliver, right? A Salstrom heir growing in the belly of a fugitive mother-what a sad thought." Herman's expression remained cold. "That's Joseph's problem, not yours."

Flynn picked up on the icy edge in Herman's voice.

If Annie hadn't miscarried, their child would already be here, and the Salstrom family would be filled with joy and laughter.

Deciding not to push further, Flynn took the files and left.

Herman pulled out a small box from his drawer; inside was a jade pendant he had intended as a gift for his child.

He had bought the jade at an auction years ago, and after Annie became pregnant, he had it expertly carved into the likeness of a guardian angel.

But he never had the chance to give it.

The memory of holding his stillborn son would haunt Herman forever-despair, rage, and agony.

Now that Anastasia couldn't have children, his dream of being a father again was gone. His hatred for Julie, even if she died a hundred times, would never be quenched. Meanwhile, in a villa's cellar.

Julie knew her due date was approaching, and she was terrified. She begged Rowan to take her to the hospital, to which Rowan replied coldly, "Go back and face death?"