The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

**What luck, to have captured his heart. A heart so pure and true.**

Herman gazed at her, the moonlight spilling through the window, casting a hazy glow that added to her enigmatic beauty. Anastasia's features were exquisite, stunning from any angle, like a living work of art. He loved her skin, her soul, her everything. His hand caressed her cheek, his voice a rich baritone, "Before you, I wasn't truly alive, Anastasia..."

His whisper was a seductive spell. She smiled brightly, stood up on the window seat, her arms encircling his neck, and now she leaned down to kiss him. Herman effortlessly lifted her from the window seat, their passionate kiss resuming unfinished business as they shed that final layer of clothing.

Their fervent skin pressed close, he laid her gently on the soft bed, their fingers intertwined, bodies entangled, a dance of flesh and strength too compelling to resist. He missed her deeply, every day and night, a longing so intense it was almost an affliction, healed only by her touch. Anastasia looked up at the man above her, her hands clinging to his muscular back, and in that moment, her heartache was completely cured. As long as he was in this world, life was worth living.

After their tender embrace, the world returned to silence, their fingers still interlocked, holding each other close, hearts racing, not yet calmed. A tear of overjoyed emotion graced Anastasia's eye. She had thought lying in his arms again was a luxury she could no longer afford. Fearing this was all a dream, that he'd vanish upon waking, Anastasia clung to him, seeking reassurance. He could feel her unease. Herman kissed her neck, his voice deep and soothing, "I've always been here, I'll always be your man, in this life and beyond."

He understood her need for security, and he gave it to her in abundance. At that moment, Anastasia's strong facade crumbled, nestling into him like a bird seeking shelter. She had been too strong for too long, never allowing a moment's vulnerability, but now, she was simply a woman in need of her man's care.

"I'm tired," she whispered, weary to her core.

"Sleep now, I'm here with you."

With him by her side, she felt at peace, and for the first time since their loss, she slept soundly.

When she awoke the next morning, unfamiliar surroundings greeted her bleary eyes, the memories of the night before like a distant dream. The room was empty, save for her, the white curtains fluttering in the breeze, adding to the surreal feeling. Checking her phone, it was already half-past ten.

Oh no. She had forgotten to inform her mother, who must have been worried about her overnight absence. Anastasia scrambled for her clothes, then remembered she had left in her pajamas.

Just then, Herman entered, casual wear on, and with a new outfit for her in hand, "You're awake. These are from Nelson, your size. Try them, see if they look good. I've already called your mom, told her you're with me, so no rush to get back."

He still called Salma 'mom,' in his heart, Anastasia was still his wife, and Salma still his mother-in-law.noveldrama

"You called my mom?" Anastasia's nerves tightened. "How did she react? Knowing I'm with you again, she must be upset."

Salma worried she might get hurt again. Herman sat on the edge of the bed, "Mom didn't say much, just reminded me to make sure you eat, given your stomach, you can't skip meals. Get dressed, I'll take you out to breakfast." "Don't you have to go to the office?" Anastasia dressed beneath the covers, "If your dad finds out, there will be trouble. I should go back."

Herman chuckled, "So, what's this? A secret affair?"

His question left Anastasia speechless. Indeed, they had come to this apartment in secrecy and would leave just as quietly-wasn't that just like an affair?

Dressed now, she retorted, "We're divorced, Herman. Isn't this exactly what an affair is?"

"A saying goes 'a lover is better than a wife, and a stolen embrace is the best of all.' So, my ex-wife likes this kind of thrill?" Herman teased, "Are you coming back tonight?"