The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The more Autumn talked, the harder it was for her to control her anger. She had fully slipped into the role of a furious mother-in-law, treating Joseph like he was the lowlife who'd ruined her daughter's life.

She jabbed a finger at him. "Julie went through so much to bring this child into the world, and now she ends up like this? How is her soul supposed to rest? She died with regrets, and you're just making it worse."

Autumn's eyes were red as she lashed out at Joseph. The intensity in her voice scared Daria, who'd never been fond of Autumn to begin with. Now, seeing Autumn yell at her dad, Daria burst out, "You're mean! Don't yell at my daddy! Go away! I don't want you here!"

This wasn't the first time Daria had said she didn't like Autumn or didn't want her around.

Autumn's heart twisted. She wanted to raise her granddaughter so badly, and those words stung more than she'd ever let on.

Joseph, who'd never cared for Julie anyway, hated hearing Autumn go on about "your mom this, your mom that," especially when it upset Daria. His expression turned icy. "I don't care who you think you are get out. You don't get to judge me. My kid's mom is gone, and you think you're good enough to take her place?"

Joseph never let anyone mention Julie in front of Daria. For Autumn to do it now, right in front of her, was the last straw.

He kicked Autumn out of the hospital room and slammed the door behind her. She heard Joseph snap at the nanny, "Don't let that old witch near Daria again."

Autumn was shaking with anger. With a temper like Joseph's, she could only imagine what her daughter had suffered.

Regret gnawed at her. If her daughter had grown up by her side, or if she'd come back to Riverdale sooner and known about Julie, maybe things would have been different. Maybe Julie wouldn't have ended up with someone like Joseph.noveldrama

One thing was certain: Autumn had to find a way to bring Daria into her care.

She knew she'd never win a custody battle against Joseph. She'd have to come up with another plan.

***

Elysian Technologies.

Anastasia hadn't told Herman she was coming by. She showed up at his office and ran into Nelson as he was heading out.

"Hey, Nelson, is he in?"

"Yes, ma'am," Nelson said. "Mr. Salstrom's inside, resting. He doesn't look too good-probably not feeling well."

Anastasia's worry spiked. "I'll go see him."

Herman was in the break room attached to his office. Anastasia gently pushed the door open and found him lying on the couch. She hurried over, set her bag down, and sat on the edge of the seat.

Herman opened his eyes at her touch, his voice soft. "What brings you here?"

She slipped her hand under the

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blanket to find his, her tone gentle "Nelson said you weren't feeling well. Are you alright? Should take you to the hospital?"

The truth was, Herman had just come back from the hospital after having a vasectomy. He hadn't been in the office at all that morning he'd gone Straight for the procedure. Ever since James's warning, Herman couldn't stop worrying. Anastasia's health was fragile, and if she ever got pregnant again, it could be dangerous.

So, he'd taken matters into his own hands-and kept it a secret from Anastasia.

"I'm fine, just needed to rest a bit," he said.

Under the blanket, he squeezed her hand, lacing their fingers together. "Lie down with me for a while."

Since she'd turned away from his affection last time, they hadn't had a gentle conversation like this.

Anastasia took off her jacket and lay beside him, just being near.

She looked at his chiseled features, those deep eyes, the straight line of his nose. He was still her Herman.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked, worry coloring her voice.

Herman squeezed her hand, paused, then said softly, "Actually, there is something wrong."

"Really? Where does it hurt?” Anastasia's concern flared up instantly.

"Right here," Herman murmured, guiding her hand down-straight to his most sensitive spot.