The Bound Between Us

Chapter 278
Anastasia said casually, “Yeah, the perks at Elysian Technologies are top-notch. My husband tells me that they’re bumping up
his pay again because he’s been killing it at work. That means we can chill a bit more, save some dough and our kid won’t have
any trouble going to school in the future.”
As she talked about this, a hopeful and happy look spread across Anastasia’s face. More income meant more happiness. Most
of the troubles in life came from money troubles. Anastasia and Herman were sitting pretty with a three-bedroom apartment and
good salaries. She was stoked about the future.
Christine, seeing the smile on Anastasia’s face, chimed in with a grin, “True that, contentment often brings joy.”
Anastasia’s smile was infectious. Seeing how easily satisfied she was, Christine finally got why the big cheese of the Salstrom
family chose plain Jane Anastasia.
Anastasia agreed, “You’re spot on. Contentment does bring joy. Pattie’s almost five now, and she’ll start first grade next year.
Since she hasn’t been to school yet, she’s a bit behind her peers. I’m worried she won’t be able to keep up. I’m thinking about
getting her into a prep class.”
Anastasia was planning out her child’s future, and genuinely concerned for her family.
Christine asked, “Anastasia, have you ever thought about having a child of your own with your husband?”
Caught off guard, Anastasia didn’t know how to respond. She and Herman couldn’t have children, so that was a no-go. But she
couldn’t say that out loud. She laughed and said, “Let’s just go with the flow, Ms. Christine. Do we have any clients this
afternoon?” Anastasia quickly changed the subject.
“Yep, we do,” Christine said. “I’ll go over the work for the past two months. Once you’re caught up, you won’t feel at a loss.”
“Thanks, Ms. Christine,” Anastasia said sincerely. “Ever since you returned to AL Jewelry, the people from the design team have
been very obedient.”
“Your accident was no secret in the department. The instigators have been punished. Who would dare go against you now?”
Christine said. “Everyone is looking forward to your return.”

Anastasia didn’t buy that. She knew Christine was just trying to comfort her. It was Christine’s doing that the design team was
behaving. Christine was an old-timer at AL Jewelry and had clout. Her endorsement earned Anastasia respect at the company.
Anastasia was almost done eating and was about to clear her tray when she saw Harmon walking over with his toolbox. Like this
morning, the way he looked at her was weird. Anastasia suddenly felt anxious. Then, someone outside the cafeteria called for
Harmon, “Harmon, hurry up and fix the toilet. It’s clogged again.”
Harmon turned away, toolbox in hand, and walked past Anastasia towards the door. Once Harmon was out of sight, Anastasia
breathed a sigh of relief.
Christine asked, “Anastasia, what’s wrong?”
Anastasia said, “I don’t know why, but the way Harmon looks at me is weird. It was the same this morning. It makes me feel
uncomfortable.”
Christine said, “Friday is Alessia’s promotion party. After the clash with the sales department, he has had a tough time in the
company. It’s normal for him to be a bit off.”
Anastasia still found Harmon’s behavior odd, but she didn’t say anything else and got up. “Ms. Christine, we should head back to
the office now.”
“Alright.”
They left together.
However, from that day on, Anastasia always felt like she was being watched. She got chills down her spine, but she never saw
anyone. Unbeknownst to her, Harmon was observing her and noting down her daily routines. Whether she took the subway,
hailed a cab, or got picked up, Harmon remembered them all. He even followed her to her home in Harmony Meadows, knowing
exactly which apartment building she lived in.
That day, Anastasia waited for a while outside the office after work. She got a message from Herman saying he couldn’t pick her
up because he was working late, so she decided to take the subway. Behind her, Harmon, with a mask on, followed her all the
way.
By the time Anastasia got out of the subway station, it was already 7:30 PM and dark outside. Her apartment was only about 500
meters from the station, so she usually walked home. After exiting the station, she headed straight for her apartment, but she

suddenly noticed a shadow following her under the streetlights. Startled, Anastasia quickened her pace. The person behind her
kept up. She started to run, and the person ran too, grabbing her shoulder.
Anastasia froze on the spot, her face pale with fear.