The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Hank Salstrom really hated feeling like he was being watched by some invisible enemy he couldn't control. It was like an unseen hand was tightening a noose around his neck, making him stay on high alert. Over the years, his company, Elysian Technologies, had racked

up quite a few enemies, and figuring out who was after him this time was anyone's guess.

After getting back to her apartment, Anna noticed Salma wasn't home. A quick phone call confirmed she was at work. With lunchtime approaching, Anna whipped up a quick grilled cheese sandwich and dove back into her jewelry-making. She had a night market stall to set up later in the evening. She couldn't help but smile, remembering the wild night she'd had with Hank. He had this uncanny way of affecting her every mood.

Around four-thirty, Anna picked up Pattie from school. As usual, they had dinner together before heading out to set up their market stall. Pattie settled in next to her, tackling her homework, which seemed to be more than usual.

Pattie's eyes lit up when she saw Hank's interview playing on the big screen across the square. "Mommy, look! It's Daddy!" she shouted excitedly.

Anna traced her daughter's gaze to see Hank on the LED display, masked up and answering questions from the press.

She chuckled. She thought he was joking when he mentioned the mask, but there he was, actually wearing it.

When the reporter asked curiously, "Mr. Salstrom, why the mask? Catch a cold?" Hank looked straight into the camera and said without a hint of shame, "This face of mine is just too handsome. I'm trying to keep the admirers at bay and avoid unnecessary complications." The reporter was stunned. Viewers at home probably rolled their eyes.

Most people would sound arrogant saying that, but Hank? He was just stating a fact. He was handsome. And he did attract attention.

Anna and Pattie both laughed at his vanity. Pattie never stopped calling him 'Daddy.' To her, that's who he always would be.

"Dad's so vain," Pattie giggled.

"Sure is," Anna agreed. "You know, the other day when I went to get burgers, I saw Dad at the diner. He was sitting right there, watching us," Pattie pointed towards the diner's window across the street.

Anna glanced over, her heart warming at the thought of Hank's 'casual' visit the night before.

"Mommy, I miss Daddy."

Pattie had always been hesitant to mention her father in front of Anna; her grandma had warned it would make her mom sad. But she missed him terribly.

Anna reassured her, "Next time, I'll take you to see your dad. But it's our little secret, okay? Don't tell anyone."

Pattie's face lit up with joy, "Really? Yay!"

...

At the Forever Cafe, Gianna watched Hank's interview too. She used to look forward to catching a glimpse of him on screen, but now, even that was denied by his mask. Hearing his cheeky response, she couldn't shake the feeling it was a dig at her.noveldrama

Business was slow, with the cafe only selling a handful of coffees that day. If things continued like this, she'd have to close up shop. And with the whole town whispering about her chasing after a man out of her league, she felt too ashamed to seek help from Anna, especially fearing that her past sabotage might come to light.

Gianna was restless, as was Julie. Ever since her encounter with Anna at the bakery, Julie felt guilty and paranoid, jumping at every siren thinking it was for her. Nightmares of Grannie Anita's tragic end haunted her sleep. She kept the lights on at night, afraid of every shadow.

As for her upcoming wedding to Joseph, she couldn't care less, leaving all the arrangements to the wedding planners.

Meanwhile, Anna's visits to Hank's apartment became more frequent, and while Salma knew, she kept her concerns to herself. Seeing Anna's newfound happiness brought her relief, but the Salstrom family was a chasm not easily bridged.

Joy has a way of brightening one's demeanor. That day, Monica dropped by Anna's night market stall and noticed her glowing complexion and cheerful spirit. "Ana, are you in love or something? With that handsome cop?" she teased with a knowing smile.