The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Gianna's voice trembled with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Are you serious? Did you really see them six years ago?"

A burning sense of betrayal flared in her chest.

Anastasia had once told her it was a case of mistaken identity at a coffee shop that led her to Herman. Gianna had envied Anastasia's luck, but now, knowing they had a history, she felt hoodwinked.

The woman who had just spilled the beans was Daria, a cocktail waitress at the Neon Dreams club. She had once roomed with Melinda, who tragically took her own life, but Daria continued working at Neon Dreams. Today, she was at the hospital for a check-up with her girlfriends and had casually gossiped about the wedding news she'd seen online.

Faced with Gianna's questioning, Daria assumed she was just another curious gossip seeker. "Of course it's true. It's been over six years, right at Neon Dreams. I heard from an old colleague that Anastasia used to work there too. She sure hit the jackpot, spending a night with Mr. Salstrom."

Gianna knew exactly what Neon Dreams was. Six years ago? Wasn't that right before Anastasia dropped out of college? A chill ran down Gianna's spine as a dreadful thought emerged. She suddenly had a hunch about little Pattie's parentage.

Anastasia had been vague about Pattie's biological father, but the timeline suggested it was during that period. Gianna had also heard from Monica that Anastasia had been tricked while working part-time and didn't know the child's father. Seeing a resemblance between Pattie and Herman, Gianna's suspicions grew. Could Pattie actually be the daughter of Anastasia and Herman?

If Anastasia knew, she wouldn't keep Pattie from Herman. She had to get to the bottom of this.noveldrama

In her heart, Gianna hoped it wasn't true. Pattie was the only stain on Anastasia's life. If that stain turned into a bargaining chip, Anastasia's position in the Salstrom family, in Herman's eyes, would be unassailable. Gianna let go of Daria and quickly walked back to the hospital room, her expression troubled.

Daria was baffled by Gianna's reaction. "What a weirdo."

Her companion said wistfully, "After hearing all this, I'm green with envy for Mrs. Salstrom. Who knows, maybe one day my prince will come."

Daria was well aware of the harsh realities. "Us? We should forget it. If straight-laced folks won't have us, what are the chances of landing on Easy Street?"

"We can dream, right? Anyway, we save up, quit this job someday, have some security. Not end up like Melinda, squeezed dry by her own family, then jumping to her death, her corpse exploited to the bitter end." The mention of Melinda filled Daria with sorrow. "Such a waste, poor thing. I heard her parents got their comeuppance, kicked out by the daughter-in-law, abandoned by their son. Living a pitiful life now." "Those who are pitiable often have themselves to blame."

...

Back in the hospital room, Gianna grabbed Cynthia's hand urgently. "Mom, you have to help me with something. Find out if Pattie is Herman's daughter. We need to arrange a paternity test on the sly." Cynthia was perplexed.

"Pattie? Anastasia's love child with some nobody? Herman just playing daddy. Why would we do a paternity test?"

"I just heard that Anastasia and Herman knew each other years ago, they were together back then. Someone saw them," Gianna rushed. "Don't ask questions, just do as I say, but we can't let them catch on." "Them together years ago, and Anastasia not knowing who the father is?"

"A one-night stand in a place like that, forgetting by morning, it's not unusual." Gianna continued, "I'm worried that Pattie really is Herman's daughter."

"That would only boost Anastasia's standing," Cynthia realized the gravity of the situation. "Leave it to me, I'll get on it right away."

Cynthia was shameless when it came to getting what she wanted, and now she'd have to approach Salma discreetly. To get Herman and Pattie's DNA without raising suspicion was a challenge. Blood, hair follicles - nearly impossible to obtain from Herman. But there was one item that was easier to get a cigarette butt.