The Bound Between Us

Chapter 132
The reactions from Leo and his wife hinted to Anastasia that something was off about Pattie’s injuries
Penny stayed silent while Leo explained with a chuckle. “She’s a clumsy one, always getting into scrapes with the other kids in
the neighborhood. She’s always covered in injuries”
Anastasia expressed her concern, 1 think Pattie’s a bit quiet, seems like she’s not getting enough to eat
“She’s my own child, why would I neglect her Penny snapped back What business is it of yours, anyway?” With that, she
slammed the door shut
Anastasia stood outside, hearing Leo scolding Penny through the door Why are you so fired up? You’re making a spectacle of
yourself
Tm not mad. I’m the only one taking care of this house, and I’m worn out Penny retorted.
Anastasia lingered for a bit, but ultimately it wasnt her place to intervene As she took the elevator down, she noticed the mess in
Leo’s apartment, with baby stuff all over the place. But not a single pair of girl’s shoes in sight.
Anastasia couldn’t help but think about Pattie’s ill fitting shoes and her multiple injuries. She could only imagine the harsh life
Pattie was living Although she couldn’t intervene, the community could help. So, Anastasia made a call to the community center,
detailing the situation and hoping that they could
mediate
After Anastasia left, Pattie woke up to see Penny, her eyes filled with fear Penny scolded. “Why are you still here, go do the
laundry And mop the floor, we don’t tolerate slackers here if you don’t finish your chores, you can forget about lunch”
Pattie frightened headed for the laundry While other kids her age were spoiled by their parents, Pattie didn’t have that luxury She
was constantly busy with endless chores, hardly ever attended kindergarten, and her meals were irregular All the injuries on her
body were inflicted by Penny
Penny was always aggressive, and Leo could only stand by and say. You shouldnt be so harsh on her She’s just a kid.”
Penny glared at Leo “And you’re only saying this now? I told you to get rid of her, why didn’t you? We’re not even her real
parents. Why should we be responsible for her? Every time I see her, I get angry”

“Abandoning her is too cruel.” Leo, being softer, said, Til try to earn more money. You just take care of the house. And don’t be
so hard on her, it’s not good if the neighbors see. All those injuries break my heart.”
“You’re heartbroken? You don’t even care about your own son, but you’re heartbroken for a stranger Penny wouldn’t let it go “Tell
me the truth, is she your illegitimate daughter that you tricked me into adopting?”
“What are you talking about?” Leo was flustered, pulling out some money from his pocket. “Here, buy Pattie some shoes and
clothes. I have to go to work this afternoon Even though she’s adopted, I won’t treat her unfairly. We don’t have a daughter, isn’t
it nice to have one now?”
Being open-minded. Leo didn’t care whether Pattie was his biological child. He believed that feelings would naturally develop
over time. However, with his long working hours and little time at home, he couldn’t always protect Pattie Balancing between his
wife and son and his adopted daughter, Leo knew he couldnt upset his wife, so he played the mediator
Penny counted the money with a sudden change of mood. You go do your thing, as long as you bring home the bacon, I can
handle the house.”
As Les left, he peeked at Pattie in the restroom. “Pattie, listen to Mom while I’m gone, okay? Daddy has to go earn money”
Partie squatting on the floor with an unwashed piece of clothing, watched Leo leave silently her eyes filled with reluctance. Only
when Leo was around did her life seem a bit better
Leo sighed at sight of Pattie. She used to be so lively, but ever since his wife gave birth to their son, they hadn’t been so close to
Pattie. She had
become quiet and reserved
After Leo left for work, Penny with the money in hand, left Pattie with chores and went shopping with their son.
Ever since Aastat
the medution, only to lea
Pattie, she couldn’t stop thinking about her even seeing her in her dreams. She called the community center to inquire about n
that Penny had driven the workers away, so she couldn’t find out about Pattie’s living conditions.

Anastasia had her own problems to deal with Her downstairs neighbor had been bothering her about a leaking issue, so she had
to contact a repair company Just like that, her weekend was over
Ever since their last phone Herman had texted her, but her replies had been dismissive. She was still mad, going to work on time
every day, without asking when Herman would be back from his trip
One evening. Anastasia come home from work and was just about to turn on the lights when she was engulfed by a familiar
scent and found herself cornered against the wall
Did you miss me?” A deep, magnetic voice sent her heart racing “Are you still mad at me?”