The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 489

The unexpected visitor was none other than Gianna. Herman hadn't had much interaction with her, so seeing her here caught him off guard.

Gianna, equally surprised to find Herman alone in his hospital room, saw this as an opportunity for some one-on-one time. She entered with a thermos and a warm smile. “Mr. Salstrom, how are you feeling? I brought you some homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s really hearty, you should try it.”

Herman just stared at her, expressionless and silent, making no move towards the soup.

Realizing she might have been too forward, Gianna sat down and said, “I’m here on behalf of Anastasia. She couldn’t make it and asked me to check on you. Your falling out with her has been quite surprising and unfortunate.”

Gianna deliberately mentioned Anastasia, knowing she was the only connection between her and Herman at the moment.

Herman’s eyes flickered slightly. “How is she?”

“She’s worried about you,” Gianna lied, seizing the chance to dig deeper. “Mr. Salstrom, is there really no chance for you and Anastasia?”

Herman’s voice was low. “Saving her was my condition. Maybe if she had never met me, none of this would have happened.”

Gianna felt a twinge of hope. “You still love her, don’t you?”

Herman pressed his lips together and remained silent. If he didn’t love her, why would he have taken such drastic measures to atone to Granny Anita?

His silence was answer enough.

Seeing Herman so steeped in sorrow, Gianna felt a pang of sympathy. “Mr. Salstrom, this too shall pass. Try the soup, at least. That way, I can report back to Anastasia,” she urged.

Gianna ladled some soup and handed it to Herman. Reluctantly, out of respect for Anastasia, he accepted the bowl. “Thank you.”

He took a few symbolic sips, and even that small gesture was enough to lift Gianna’s spirits. Herman had drunk her homemade soup.

Just then, a nurse came in to give Herman his medication. Gianna eagerly helped with the water and tissues, playing the role of the caring friend.

The nurse, new and oblivious to any gossip, mistook Gianna for Herman’s girlfriend. “Mr. Salstrom, your girlfriend is so caring,” she said admiringly.

The words 'your girlfriend' made Gianna’s heart leap, but she quickly glanced at Herman. His face turned stony as he clarified, “You’re mistaken, she’s not my girlfriend.”

Embarrassed, the nurse apologized. “Sorry about that, Mr. Salstrom. You should rest after your medication. Just ring the bell if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Herman said flatly, and the nurse made a swift exit.

Sensing the tension, Gianna tried to speak, but Herman cut her off. “Miss Yang, please leave.”