The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Something felt off about Herman tonight, but Anastasia couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

Maybe he was just a little too enthusiastic? Maybe a little too wild?

He caught her hand, pressed her gently against the bathroom wall, and kissed her with a fierce, hungry intensity. Warm water poured from the shower above, steam curling around them, the temperature rising and making everything feel even more electric.

She lost track of how long they stayed like that. When he finally let her go, his eyes were dark and burning, his gaze locked on her as if he couldn't get enough.

Anastasia's cheeks were flushed, her chest rising and falling as water traced sparkling paths down her curves. She looked radiant, her skin glowing, with a softness that was impossible to resist.

Trying to catch her breath, she asked, her voice light but puzzled, "What's gotten into you tonight?"

He slid his fingers through her wet hair, holding her gently as he murmured, voice deep and rough, "I just want to go a little crazy with you."

After that, words just faded away. Everything was about touch, about sensation.

The big bathroom turned into their private little world. She couldn't remember how long they tangled together, only that tonight, Herman seemed utterly unrestrained. After three years together and countless nights like this, she'd never seen him so wild, so thrilling, leaving her dazed and breathless. With the steam swirling around them, it felt like they'd stepped straight into some dreamy, cinematic fantasy.

When it all finally quieted down, Anastasia drifted off to sleep without even noticing. Herman slipped out onto the balcony for a smoke—a habit he just couldn't shake.

His jealousy had been flaring up again lately, and his need for Anastasia was turning downright possessive. Even after his memory loss, Rowan had always seemed to set him off. Tonight was no different-Rowan was the reason Herman had gone overboard.

He just wanted Anastasia to remember him, to want him so much she couldn't bear to let him go.

But with Rowan, there was always a weird, unspoken something between him and Anastasia. Herman never dared to ask, never wanted to look too closely.

Anastasia, meanwhile, barely gave Rowan a thought. She'd never explained anything to Herman, never thought it was necessary.

When he finished his cigarette, Herman climbed back into bed and wrapped Anastasia in his arms from behind. It was a habit from before the memory loss- something that just felt right, even now.

The night had been so intense that Anastasia didn't wake up until noon the next day.

By the time she got up, Herman was already off at work. The nanny was busy with Emmie and Nancy, guiding them through early learning games and Pattie was focused on her studies. Seeing the whole family in their groove-work, school, routines-made Anastasia feel both content and a little sheepish for having slept in so late.

She joined Emmie and Nancy for a while, watching as the girls concentrated on stacking blocks and pounding on a little toy drum, their faces lit up with determination.

Nancy, the younger one, was always a handful she absolutely loved these play sessions.noveldrama

At first, Anastasia thought baby classes for kids barely a year old sounded ridiculous. But after seeing the nanny in action and watching how much the girls changed, she realized how valuable it was.

It wasn't about cramming their heads with facts, but about sparking curiosity, building good habits, and letting them explore the world. That's what really helped their little minds grow.

Salma had joked once, "Kids these days are in such a race. Rich families have their babies winning before the gun even fires. How's an ordinary family supposed to keep up?"

Emmie and Nancy were already ahead, born in Rome to every advantage.

But Herman didn't see it as a competition. "Let them learn for their own

happiness,” he always said. “Let them find the joy in it for themselves."

Anastasia couldn't help thinking about how some people are born in Rome, and

others are born to struggle. Life was never really fair.

The weather was beautiful, so Anastasia stipped into a light green skirt and blouse and headed downstairs, just in time to see Salma about to head out, beaming from ear to ear. One look and Anastasia knew: it was a date.

"Off to see Adam again, Mom?" Anastasia teased, grinning as she walked over. "I'm getting curious. I've got nothing going on today-why not introduce us? I'll make sure he's worthy of you."

Salma laughed. "You, screening my date? Alright, I'll check with Adam and see if he's up for lunch with us. Just promise me, Ana—no weird comments, and don't bring up your dad."

Tavon, her dad, had stormed off to Willowbrook after their last argument. Salma still called him petty.

"Relax, Mom. I promise I'll be on my best behavior. I just want to meet the man who's making you this happy."