The Bound Between Us

Chapter 32
Anastasia popped open the box, revealing a pair of rings.
She looked at Herman and instantly got the gist
He said, “These are our wedding rings. We didn’t have time to buy them when we registered for our marriage, now I want to
make up for that”
“When did you buy these?” Anastasia asked, touched.
Though she didn’t really care much about having a wedding ring, his thoughtfulness made her heart flutter.
bought them yesterday” Herman grabbed her hand, picked up the female ring from the box, and put it on her
Under the soft glow of the candle, his present, along with the bowl of pasta, created a romantic atmosphere.
He said, “Anastasia, I hope our marriage can last forever”
He didn’t make any passionate declarations or sweet talk, but this sincere expression was enough to move anyone
Their marriage was a hasty decision, but they both wished for it to last.
“Mhm “Anastasia nodded.
He chuckled and put on his own ring Let’s eat, the food’s getting cold.”
Maybe because of the gift, or maybe because of the romantic atmosphere, Anastasia felt like this was the best pasta she’d ever
had. In that moment, she felt so happy to be with Herman,
Herman was gentle and refined, making her feel comfortable when she was with him.
The next morning.
Anastasia woke up early, she was going to the market to buy groceries for lunch As she was about to change her shoes to go
out, Herman woke up. “Where are you off to this early?”

I’m going to the market to buy groceries for lunch. Did you forget my mom is coming over for lunch today? Oh, did you invite your
relatives?”
I’ve already called them, Herman said. “Wait for me, I’ll change and go with you.”
Anastasia certainly wouldn’t refuse his help, so they went to the market together. On the way, they grabbed a wrap from a stand
near their apartment complex.
Anastasia was very familiar with the local market, she knew exactly what to buy, while Herman helped carry the bags. It was
Herman’s first time in such a bustling place, he was a bit overwhelmed.
After buying everything, they quickly returned home to start cooking.
As for the previous electricity issue, Herman had called Flynn to sort it out.
Anastasia was busy cooking in the kitchen, while Herman helped out. Just because Herman was rich and didn’t need to do these
chores, didn’t mean he
couldn’t
Around 10:30, the doorbell rang. Anastasia was stewing pork knuckles so Herman went to open the door. It was Katelyn and
Flynn, they were both taken
aback to see Herman in an apron.
“Son, you’re cooking? Katelyn asked, surprised.
Flynn was even more shocked, he gave Herman a once–over and then gave him a thumbs up, “Herman, you’re a model
husband.”
Herman glared at Flynn. “If you want to stay for lunch, be careful of what you said.”
Flynn laughed. “Got it.”
Anastasia called from the kitchen, “Herman, who’s at the door?”
Flynn shouted back. “It’s me.”

Flynn entered the room, followed by Katelyn. “Anastasia, let me help you.”
Today, Katelyn was dressed casually, not as elegant as usual.
“Ms Katelyn, please have a seat in the living room, I can handle this,” Anastasia said, smiling. “Herman, go keep Ms. Katelyn
company.”
The kitchen wasn’t big, with a look from Herman, Katelyn went to rest in the living room.
Flynn, however, made himself at home, munching on chips in the living room.
Not long after, Salma and Monica arrived. It was their first time, and they weren’t familiar with the route, so Herman went
downstairs to pick them up. Monica, knowing that Herman was the CEO of Elysian Technologies, was no longer as casual as
before, she seemed a bit reserved
The CEO of a billion–dollar company, with such a high social status, was living in a three–bedroom apartment and even helping
out in the kitchen.
If it wasn’t for Monica double–checking and seeing Katelyn, Herman’s mother, she would’ve thought she was mistaken.
Monica was secretly observing Katelyn’s attitude towards Anastasia. Katelyn seemed friendly towards Anastasia and was very
warm towards Salma, which made her even more suspicious, what was the Salstrom family after?
Suddenly, Monica needed to use the bathroom. “Ana, I need to use the restroom, where’s your room?”
Since the guest bathroom was occupied by Flynn, Monica, in a hurry, had to use the one in the master bedroom.
“My room doesn’t have a restroom.” Anastasia turned to Herman. “Can we use your restroom?”
Herman nodded. “Sure.”
Their brief conversation surprised everyone.
My room? Your room? Didn’t they share a room?
Didn’t this mean they slept in separate rooms?
Flynn and Katelyn exchanged glances, and so did Salma and Monica.

Anastasia didn’t realize there was an issue and took Monica to the restroom in the master bedroom.
After Monica finished her business, she asked Anastasia in a low voice, “You and Herman don’t share a room? You guys sleep
separately?”
Monica also noticed that there weren’t any female products in the master bathroom.
Anastasia didn’t think it was a big deal and laughed. “Yeah, we’re still not familiar with each other, so, of course, we sleep
separately.”
Not familiar?
Monica reminded her, “Ana, you guys are already married, haven’t you guys... you know?”
Anastasia shook her head bashfully just as Salma walked in.
Salma whispered, “Ana, have you and Herman been sleeping separately all this time?”
Anastasia was being grilled in the bedroom while Herman was getting the third degree from Katelyn in the living room. Katelyn
was hoping for grandkids and was shocked to find out her son and daughter–in–law were sleeping separately.
Anastasia nodded. “Yeah, we both think we should spend some time together first, see if we’re right for each other.”
Monica probed, “And if you’re not, what then? Divorce?”
She thought it was a gift from heaven that Anastasia could marry into such a good family. She was determined to make them a
couple, no matter what. A man like Herman was a rare catch.
Anastasia looked at Salma and Monica. “I guess so. If we’re not a good fit, there’s no point forcing it.”
Life was too long for a bad marriage. Salma thought for a moment. “Anastasia, you’re making the right choice. Take some time to
get to know him, you guys rushed into marriage. Take it slow now.”
“Okay, Mom” Anastasia remembered the food in the kitchen. “Oops, the pork I’m stewing is still on the stove, gotta go check on
it.”

Once Anastasia left, Salma grabbed Monica. “Monica, has Anastasia been acting strange lately, or has she said anything to
you?”
“No, Salma, what’s going on?”
“Yesterday, Anastasia came home and said she remembered some things,” Salma said worriedly. “I’m afraid if she remembered
that incident, it could ruin her life.”
Monica’s heart sank, if Anastasia really remembered or if Herman found out her secret, they could be in hot water. That incident
was years ago, and now Monica had almost forgotten about it.
“Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, I promise to take care of Anastasia and make sure she and Herman have a happy marriage.”
“Anastasia is lucky to have a friend like you,” Salma said. “Monica, I’ve been having dreams lately, about that child, my great–
granddaughter. I just... I just...”
Thinking about it, Salma was filled with regret.