The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Rowan kept his eyes on Anastasia for a moment longer before finally looking away. "Nope, didn't see Herman when I was in Springfield," he said, casually shrugging it off.

He wasn't lying, but whether Anastasia believed him or not was up to her.

"So why are you tailing me?" Anastasia asked, still trying to make sense of it all. "What is it that you and Asher want from me?"

Rowan hesitated, not quite ready to admit he had nowhere else to go. In a world where nobody truly cared about him, Anastasia was the only one who'd shown him any real kindness.

To Asher, he was just a pawn.

"It was just a coincidence," Rowan finally said. "Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you. If I had any bad intentions, you wouldn't have made it back from Springfield."

He was being honest, but that only made Anastasia more confused about his motives.

She wasn't gullible enough to believe it was all just chance.

How did he know what had happened in that private room?

Rowan stood up, adding, "Get some rest. If there's nothing else, I'll head out. As for Herman, I honestly don't know if he's alive or not. Boss sent me to Springfield just to check if something had happened to him. Never saw him, though."

He'd explained it once already, but wanted to clear things up again to prevent any misunderstandings.

With that, Rowan left.

Anastasia frowned. She felt like Rowan was being truthful, but couldn't help having her doubts.

Melody, who had been eavesdropping at the door, watched Rowan leave before entering the room. "Ma'am, that Rowan is a real mystery. When I asked him why he brought you to the hospital, he clammed up, but then he explained it to you twice. I think he's got a thing for you."

Anastasia's eyes widened in surprise. "Rowan likes me? No way."

"We've only met a few times, and the first time, he was out for my blood..."

"But he also saved you," Melody pointed out. "From what I've seen after years in the club scene, Rowan's definitely into you. Otherwise, why let me tag along to the hospital? In that situation, any other guy would have left you in a bad spot."

Anastasia knew the truth of it. As a woman, she was often seen as easy prey by

men.

Melody continued, "He probably had me come along to protect your reputation. If someone saw him leaving Neon Dreams with you, who knows what they'd assume? But with me there, I can vouch that nothing sketchy went down. A guy who cares that much about a woman's reputation has got to have feelings for her."

Melody's words echoed in Anastasia's mind, leaving her stunned.

Her analysis made sense, but thinking Rowan had feelings for her seemed like a stretch.

Anastasia suddenly recalled what Christen had said about Rowan stepping in to block Julie's knife.noveldrama

Could it be that Rowan mistook Christen for her, and that's why he intervened?

After Julie was caught, Jason personally interrogated her. She had planned her attack at the Starbucks on Main Street without Rowan's involvement, and she hadn't known he would be there.

Anastasia was surprised that Julie hadn't implicated Rowan. It was an unexpected act of decency.

Julie hadn't dragged Rowan into her mess because, after everything, he was the only one who hadn't wronged her. Her last bit of humanity led her to spare him.

Sitting alone on the hospital bed, Anastasia felt worn out. In her current state, going back to Salstrom Manor or South Gate would only cause unnecessary worry.

She decided to let go of her concerns about Rowan's intentions for now. After a short rest, she called a cab back to the office.

The office felt like her third home. The break room had everything she needed, and she often found comfort there. It was filled with Herman's belongings, and he, too, had once taken refuge on that very couch.

Anastasia took a shower and snuggled under the blankets, her thoughts drifting to Herman.

She longed for his return, eager to tell him that Pattie was his biological daughter.