The Bound Between Us

Chapter 11
Salma had been holding her breath for this moment. Herman’s promise gave her a sense of tranquility “Herman, now that you
two are hitched, as a mother, I just want you to live happily, work together, and make every day count. That would ease my
mind.”
With affection in her voice, Salma said, “Ana’s been without a father since she was a child. It was me who raised her alone. I
want her happiness more than anyone else If Anastasia steps out of line, send her back, I’ll set her straight”
Even if there was a mistake, her daughter should be disciplined by her, not by others. No one should lay a finger on her.
Touched, Anastasia managed to whisper, “Mom”
Herman glanced at Anastasia, then solemnly promised Salma, Tll give Anastasia the good life she deserves. The men of the
Salstrom family took their marriage vows seriously. As long as Anastasia was willing to spend the rest of her life with him, he
wouldn’t let her down.
Anastasia looked at Herman, and despite only having met three times, and not really having any emotional connection, his every
word and deed gave her
a sense of security.
Herman said, “Dig in before the food gets cold. Give this restaurant’s food a try and see if it suits your taste”
Anastasia took a bite and was pleasantly surprised. “This is so delicious! I’ve never been to such a fancy place before or had a
meal this expensive. It’s definitely worth every penny.”
Herman laughed and said, “I’ll make more money and bring you here once a month.”
Anastasia quickly waved her hands, smiling. That won’t be necessary. You work hard for your money. Eating here once is more
than enough.”
Was his wife trying to save him money? Herman’s eyes softened. Anastasia was such an easily contented woman. Her smile
was lovely, like a warm spring breeze.
Seeing the two of them showing mutual respect, Salma’s smile deepened.

As the three of them dined in the private booth, Flynn, who was also dining at the restaurant, was taken aback when he spotted
Herman through a crack in the door. Did his eyes deceive him? Was his brother having a meal with a woman?
Flynn rubbed his eyes, confirming it was indeed his brother. But who was the woman next to him?
Curiosity piqued, and Flynn peeked through the door crack. He was stunned by what he saw. The woman was quite old.
From Flynn’s angle, he saw Herman and Salma sitting and dining together while Anastasia was in the restroom. Herman was
serving Salma, pouring her a glass of water.
Outside, he was the man in charge of Elysian Technologies. But here, he was simply Salma’s son–in–law. He was simply
following the Salstrom family’s teachings of etiquette and propriety.
Flynn was excited. Aside from his mother, he had never seen his brother be so considerate of a woman. So, his brother had
rejected those girls from their social circle because he preferred older women? Was this some kind of Oedipus complex?
Flynn, excited, accidentally pushed the door open and almost tripped.
The sudden appearance of Flynn made both Herman and Salma involuntarily turn their heads. Herman frowned, while Salma
curiously asked, “Who might you be?”
Scratching his head, Flynn chuckled awkwardly and said, “I didn’t mean to intrude. I was just passing by, that’s all
Salma looked at Herman, who glanced at Flynn dismissively and said, “He’s a distant relative”
A distant relative? Flynn was confused. Weren’t he and Herman brothers? How did he suddenly become a distant relative?
Salma’s face lit up with understanding, and she smiled kindly, “You’re quite handsome.”
Herman was speechless. Just a few hours ago, his mother–in–law had also complimented him in the same way
Confused, Flynn sat down, not daring to say anything. He simply looked at Herman, silently asking what was going on. He
thought to himself, if Herman actually liked older women, that would be such a pity. Even being gay would be better than this.