The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 449

They say men rarely cry, only when their hearts are truly broken.

Herman's hand was shaking so badly he had to lean on the autopsy table to stay upright. He reached out to touch his and Anastasia's baby, and as his hand met the baby's cold skin, a tear fell onto the tiny body.

He tried to hold back his sobs. He remembered the baby's playful kicks inside Anastasia's belly, the little foot he had felt, the vibrancy of life. Now, staring at the cold, lifeless body before him, he couldn't hold back anymore. His voice broke as he whispered, "My baby, I'm so sorry. I couldn't protect you and your mommy."

Herman's grief was as deep as Anastasia's, and even Feiman, who had followed him, had tears in his eyes.

Katelyn and Feiman had been at the hospital the whole time. When they heard Herman had gone to the morgue, Feiman followed. Hearing his son's muffled sobs, Feiman completely understood his son's pain.

What father could bear such a blow?

Feiman stood at the morgue's entrance, his eyes moist. He turned away, wiping his tears.

The baby was a boy, their first grandchild. The entire family had been eagerly anticipating Anastasia's delivery, but no one expected this outcome.

Herman, his hands trembling, held the baby's body close, trying to warm him with his own body heat.

He had imagined countless scenarios for his first meeting with his baby, but never this. Never the sight of a tiny, lifeless body.

If he could barely stand the grief, how could Anastasia possibly cope?

Herman stayed in the morgue for a long time, whispering words of regret to the baby.

Katelyn couldn't bring herself to look at the baby's body.

Both of the elders worried that Herman might collapse under the weight of this tragedy. After more than half an hour, Herman emerged from the morgue, unsteady on his feet. He asked Feiman and Katelyn, "Dad, Mom, could you help me find a good place to bury our child?"

Katelyn, wiping her tears, replied, "Don't worry, dear. I'll take care of it."

"Dad, there's some good news." Julie, still laughing, linked arms with Devin, barely able to contain her smile. "Anastasia had a miscarriage."

"You mean Herman's wife?" Devin frowned. "How did that happen?"

Julie chuckled. "It was Grannie Anita. She had someone give her an abortion pill. She did it herself."

Devin was stunned. "Why would Grannie Anita do that? That was her great-grandson. Why would she give her an abortion pill?"

Devin was both shocked and confused.

Julie, triumphant, sat down on the couch and grinned. "Of course, it was your daughter's brilliant idea. Grannie Anita was always unhappy with Anastasia. So I just fanned the flames, made her think Anastasia was carrying a bastard. Naturally, Grannie Anita would do anything to get rid of the baby. She couldn't possibly allow Anastasia to give birth to a bastard in the Salstrom family."

"You did this?" Devin was terrified, his voice rising. "Julie, are you trying to get our family killed? Last time you tampered with Anastasia's car, I had to clean up your mess and find a scapegoat. Now you're trying to drag the whole family down with you?"