The Bound Between Us

Chapter 434
Herman chuckled. There was a smile dancing at the corners of his lips. “Why don’t you entertain your cousin while I retreat to the
study with some work?”
“Go on, off you go.” Anastasia gently touched her flushed cheeks.
As soon as Herman left the room, Anastasia promptly rose from bed to freshen up. She slipped into a loose outfit before heading
downstairs to meet Gianna.
Pattie had already taken off for school and Salma had plans with some former colleagues from the hotel.
In the living room, Gianna was comfortably seated while the housekeeper, Katie, poured her a cup of coffee. Upon seeing
Anastasia, Katie offered, “Would you like some lemonade, milady?”
At five months pregnant, Anastasia still endured bouts of morning sickness and often found relief in sipping lemonade.
Anastasia responded with a smile, “That sounds wonderful. Thanks, Katie. Could you also prepare some breakfast for me? I’m
quite peckish. A bowl of oatmeal would be perfect.”
“Certainly, I’ll get right on it,” Katie replied. Then she tactfully retreated to the kitchen, leaving Anastasia to host Gianna.
Placing a bag of coffee beans on the table, Gianna said, “This is a new blend from my shop. I thought you might like to try it. It’s
safe for expectant mothers.”
“Thank you,” Anastasia replied. Her smile was gentle. “How’s business at your shop, Gianna?”
“It’s going well. It’s profitable. I’ve done the math and it should break even within a year.” Gianna boasted, “I might even open a
second shop at that point.”
“Really? That’s impressive, Gianna. You’re quite the entrepreneur.”
Gianna glanced upstairs. “Is your husband not going into the office today?”
“He’s working from home today to keep me company,” Anastasia admitted, a little sheepishly.

“Anastasia, you’re so lucky. Herman earns money by the minute. Just think of how much he’s giving up to spend the day with
you,” Gianna said. Her eyes were brimming with envy.
“Oh, it’s not as dramatic as all that,” Anastasia demurred. “Besides, he’s not a machine. He needs to rest too. We have Flynn
holding down the fort at the office.”
“By the way, what’s the status of the Salstrom family’s illegitimate child? Are they planning on acknowledging him? Could it
impact Herman?” sence of the Sastrom’s illegitimate child wasn’t exactly a secret, and a good hunter of wople know about it not
entre sure” Anastasia admitted. “His parents are still at odds over the matter.”
wmen are truly faithful, especially when their partners are pregnant. Most can’t resist Temptation. According to research, nearly
80% of men are unfaithful during their partner’s pregnancy.”Ganna trailed off observing Anastasia’s reaction. “I’m not implying
anything about Herman, Anastasia.”
It’s fine” Anastasia reassured her though she felt a sudden discomfort in her stomach. “I need to use the restroom. Feel free to
make yourself at home, Gianna.” Pregnancy often et to constipation
Sure” Gianna replied. Her eyes wandered around the house as soon as Anastasia left the room. The mansion was extravagant,
from the decoration to the sheer size, not to mention its prime location in Riverdale.
The property was worth billions and Salma had mentioned that it was registered in Anastasia’s name. The realization made
Gianna envious. Her previous comfortable life caled in comparison to the opulence of Anastasia’s. Every piece of furniture, every
cup in the mansion was worth a small fortune.
As Gianna’s hand traced over the $1 million pine table, her gaze wandered upstairs. Upstairs was the man she adored.
The image of Herman and Anastasia sharing a passionate kiss earlier still lingered in Ganna’s mind. It pricked at her heart like a
thorn.
Unconsciously, Gianna found herself moving towards the staircase. She didn’t know the exact location of the study, but she
carefully treaded along the carpeted hallway, eventually finding herself outside the study.
The door was ajar, and through the gap, Gianna could see Herman’s silhouette against the large window, deep in a phone
conversation. Her heart fluttered at the sight...