At the hospital, Anastasia guided Juliana into a chair and went to sort out the registration and wait in line.
After getting everything set, she came back with a cup of warm water. “Here, have some hot water—it’ll help a bit,” she said.
Anastasia kept herself busy, rushing around to help, which only made Juliana feel more awkward. Her pride wouldn’t let her show weakness, and her stubborn streak meant she couldn’t just accept help graciously. As she took the cup, she muttered, “Don’t think that just because you helped me, I’ll let Layna stop competing with your daughter. Layna’s amazing—we’re not giving up anything.”
“Competing about what, exactly?” Anastasia couldn’t help but chuckle. “My kid doesn’t need anyone to step aside for her, and honestly, she’s not interested in competing anyway. Don’t flatter yourself. Even if it was a stray dog sick on the street, I’d bring it to the hospital.”
Juliana’s face turned a shade of green. “Are you calling me a dog?”
Anastasia shrugged. “I never said that. You did.”
“You—!”
Before Juliana could let loose, the doctor called out, “Next, Juliana!”
Juliana had no choice but to get up and go in.
Anastasia, still poking at her, called out, “Need a hand getting in there?”
“No. I’m fine,” Juliana snapped as she walked inside.
Anastasia knew she’d refuse—it was just too easy.
With Juliana gone, Anastasia’s phone rang. Herman’s name popped up.
Whenever Herman had a free moment or another dinner to attend, he always called to check in.
Tonight, he was at another work dinner, calling from the club’s courtyard.
Anastasia gave him all the space he wanted, just reminding him, “Don’t drink too much. Take care of yourself. If you have to drink, pop some hangover pills first. Tell Nelson to keep some with him, just in case…”
Herman loved her little reminders. They made him feel cared for.
Suddenly, he heard someone on Anastasia’s end calling for a doctor, and his heart jumped. “Babe, where are you? Are you at the hospital?”
Anastasia explained, “Yeah, I ran into Juliana—she was feeling unwell, so I brought her here. I’m fine, don’t worry.”



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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)
Author pls Pls don't separate Ana and Herman once again because of Sandy. There must be an ending to Ana's sufferings!...
Yes yes yes!!! Thank you!!!...
How comes the twists are becoming uninteresting and unrealistic? Readers will prefer cleaner straight happy endings. Please don't go far beyond otherwise readers will lose interest. Time to end the story like we want it to be....
Please give us a happy ending for Anastasia and Herman with Pattie recognized as Herman's daughter, thank you!!!...
Pls update. This novel is really good....