The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

After Cynthia had spent some time trying to lift Gianna's spirits, she herself set off for the wedding venue. Once Cynthia had departed, Gianna wrapped herself up tightly and stepped out as well. Southridge Estates.

Anastasia sat on the bed in a flowing white wedding gown, her cheeks rosy like fresh peonies, her bright eyes and pearly teeth shining. Today, she was a breathtaking vision of beauty.

Salma, gazing upon Anastasia in her bridal attire, felt waves of emotion swell within her, heat prickling at the corners of her eyes. The last time Anastasia married Herman, it was a simple courthouse affair. But today, she was the star of a grand, traditional ceremony. Memories of Ana's childhood flooded Salma's mind-the years of hard work and devotion, culminating in this moment of seeing her daughter in a bridal dress.

Salma dabbed at her eyes, while Tavon chided, "It's a day of joy, what's there to cry about?" Tavon couldn't hide his pride; today he was attending in the esteemed role of the bride's father. Dressed in a sharp suit, Tavon looked particularly dapper. Having recovered well from a stroke, he'd put on a healthy amount of weight, looking more robust than before.

"I'm just happy," Salma said. "Ana has finally reached her happily ever after." Just then, the sound of firecrackers erupted from outside. Pattie, dressed in a little princess dress, burst into the room with glee, "Mommy, Daddy's come to get you, and he looks so dashing today!"

The mention of Herman brought a shy blush to Anastasia's face. Monica, peering through the doorway, exclaimed, "He's really here, and Herman is drop-dead gorgeous today! Ana, your man's a knockout."

Anastasia was eager to catch a glimpse of him, but Monica had hidden her wedding shoes-a part of the Western tradition where the groom must find the bride's shoes to proceed with the wedding. Herman, bouquet in hand and accompanied by his groomsmen, made his way upstairs, prompting Monica to quickly shut the door.

"If you want to whisk away the bride, it won't be that easy. Where's the dowry?" she teased. Monica, leading the bridesmaids, blocked the door, with Pattie standing in front, preventing the groomsmen from barging in.

Herman pulled out several big, fat dowry envelopes: "May you be prosperous." Monica peeked inside to find each envelope contained a generous check. "Herman, you're obscenely lavish," she said, even as her hands deftly pocketed the checks.

Pattie extended her hands: "Daddy, I want my dowry too." Herman chuckled, "It's not good for little ones to handle so much money. I'll give it to your mom to keep safe." Pouting, Pattie muttered, "Daddy."

Herman ruffled her hair and turned to Monica, "Can I come in now?" Monica couldn't keep up her playful extortion. "Please," she said with a beaming smile, opening the door.

Upon entering, Herman was momentarily stunned by the sight of Anastasia. She was simply radiant, her cheeks tinged with a shy blush as she averted her gaze, her beauty magnifying the room's charm.

Monica joked, "Alright, groom, you've stared enough. If you want to take your bride, you'll need to find her shoes. Pro tip: they're somewhere in this room."

Collin shouted, "Bros, let's find those shoes!" Flynn called out, "I'll add another check for any clues!" Monica laughed, "Now that's just cheating." But who could resist the lure of a hefty check? Soon enough, a traitor emerged among the bridesmaids. Giggling, one spilled the beans: "The wedding shoes are hidden beneath the bride's gown." Monica sighed, "The world of the wealthy is just that simple and unadorned, huh?" The room erupted with laughter.

Herman approached Anastasia, knelt on one knee, and carefully retrieved the shoes from under her gown, delicately slipping them onto her feet. "My love, you're so beautiful today," he whispered.

Anastasia, bashful, cast her eyes down, her cheeks blooming with a sweet flush. Herman stood, lifted Anastasia in his arms, and proceeded to the cheers of "Here comes the bride!" Carrying her down the stairs and out the door, they moved along the red carpet. Anastasia nestled shyly against him-a picture-perfect couple, every reporter's dream shot.

Meanwhile, in a villa elsewhere, a woman with delicate features watched the television intently, her eyes blazing with intense hatred. Her face was unfamiliar, but those eyes... they were unmistakable. This was Julie, transformed by cosmetic surgery.noveldrama