The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Rowan cradled Anastasia in his arms as they flagged down a cab on the busy street. Melody slipped in right after them, even though Rowan initially wanted her out. But when Melody called Anastasia's name with genuine concern, he held back. Turning to the cab driver, his voice steady but urgent, he said, "To the hospital, please."

Anastasia was battling the effects of a drug, her skin flushed and burning with fever. Every fiber of her being screamed to shed her clothing, yet some distant part of her mind whispered restraint. Her body, however, refused to listen.

Melody gently adjusted Anastasia's clothes, whispering, "Hang in there, Mrs. Salstrom. We're almost at the hospital."

Rowan sat silently, anxiety etched into his features, his eyes never leaving Anastasia's face.

As soon as they reached the hospital, Rowan hurriedly summoned a doctor to counteract the drug. He left Melody to keep watch over Anastasia in the room while he paced the corridor outside, respecting the boundaries of decency.

The potent drug finally began to wear off after half an hour. Without the timely medical intervention, Anastasia's condition could have been catastrophic.

When she finally came to, she was drenched in sweat, as if she'd been swimming fully clothed.

Melody handed her a glass of water. "Here, Mrs. Salstrom, have some water." Anastasia managed to prop herself up, her limbs heavy and sluggish. "Thank you," she murmured, taking a sip.

The water brought some clarity, and she felt a bit more grounded.

"Feeling any better?" Melody asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Yeah," Anastasia replied, exhaustion evident, her voice barely above a whisper. Melody's indignation flared. "That Jarod is a real piece of work. Thank goodness someone stepped in; otherwise, who knows what could've happened."

Anastasia's thoughts traveled back to the club, recalling it was Rowan who had come to her rescue.

"Where is he?" she asked, her voice gaining a bit of strength. "Where's Rowan?"

Melody nodded towards the door. "You mean the guy who helped you? He's outside. A real gentleman, he is. Most wouldn't have bothered with a hospital."

Anastasia was taken aback, finding it hard to believe that Rowan had brought her to the hospital. Even more puzzling was why he had been at Neon Dreams in the first place.

Melody continued, "Not everyone's like Mr. Salstrom, you know. Jarod can't hold a candle to him. Eight years ago, you and Mr. Salstrom were like a match made in heaven. Jarod? Just a creep."

Melody had her reasons for bringing this up. She hoped to earn Anastasia's favor by speaking well of Rowan.

"How do you know about eight years ago?" Anastasia asked, startled.

She had only just realized how much Melody seemed to know.

"I saw it with my own eyes, Mrs. Salstrom. Don't worry, I'm not one to spread rumors. I was always envious of you for finding someone like Mr. Salstrom. I never had the luck to meet my own knight in shining armor."

"If you knew all along, why didn't you say something?" Anastasia's voice was tinged with frustration and regret. She had searched for. answers herself, only to come up empty-handed each time.

It bewildered her that Melody had been aware of the past while she, Anastasia, had been in the dark.

She wished she had known the truth back then. It could have spared her the regrets with Herman and the hardship that Pattie had to endure.

Melody looked confused. "You never asked, Mrs. Salstrom. But rest assured, I won't blab about it."

Anastasia knew she couldn't blame Melody. How could Melody have known that Anastasia didn't remember?

Rubbing her temples, Anastasia

admitted, "I had an accident years ago and lost some memories. I've been trying to figure out who that man was. I was drugged that night, and everything's just a blur"

Melody nodded, understanding dawning on her. "I just happened to pass by back

then and saw you and Mr. Salstrom in the room..."

The rest of the sentence was unnecessary; the implication was clear.

"Could you bring Rowan in? I need to talk to him," Anastasia requested, hernoveldrama

resolve firm as she looked at Melody.