The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Sure, let's enhance the text with a more natural and relatable tone for native English readers. I'll make it more engaging while maintaining the story's original essence.

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Anastasia's unborn baby.

Honestly, who sent that warning text doesn't really matter much to Herman anymore. His child was gone, and Granny Anita had already admitted to drugging Anastasia. Now, he's just tracing the phone number to make sure no one else had bad intentions towards And the number could very well be from Granny Anita herself.

Nelson said, "The number was from a burner phone, no identity record. Probably just some throwaway cell from a convenience store."

Herman wiped his face and waved Nelson off. "Go back and keep an eye on the company. Joseph's been hit hard; he's bound to retaliate."

"Yes, Mr. Salstrom." Nelson knew Herman couldn't leave right now. Anastasia had lost their child, and she needed him.

Once Nelson finished briefing him on company matters, he left.

Around the corner, a figure emerged. Gianna had come to check on Anastasia. She had just overheard Nelson and Herman talking about the text and immediately hid to eavesdrop.

Gianna's heart pounded with fear. She was the one who sent that warning text. She just meant to scare them, never thinking it would actually lead to this.

Anastasia's baby was really gone.

Gianna saw Herman slumped on a bench, looking utterly defeated. Her heart ached for him. She walked over and sat beside him.

"Mr. Salstrom, how's Ana doing?" Gianna began.

Lost in his grief, Herman didn't even glance at her. His voice was flat. "Not well. You're close to her; if you can, please comfort her."

"Of course," Gianna replied. "No one saw this coming. By the way, have they figured out what caused the heavy bleeding?"

Herman wasn't about to tell Gianna the truth. He stayed silent, and she got the hint, dropping the subject.

Just then, Salma came out of the hospital room with Pattie. She saw Gianna and said, "Gianna, can you stay with Ana for a bit? I need to fetch some clothes." Herman quickly stood up. "I'll get them."

Salma, her face stern, didn't respond. Sensing the tension, Gianna slipped into the room.

After Gianna went in, Salma turned to Herman and asked, "Did Ana lose the baby because of Granny Anita?"

Salma had just learned the truth from Anastasia herself.

For a moment, Salma couldn't process it. It was too cruel.

"How could anyone do such a thing?" she thought. "Even an animal wouldn't."

Herman nodded, and Salma's anger flared. "Why would she do this? Even if Granny Anita didn't like Ana, this is beyond cruel!"

Herman's voice was hoarse. "Granny thought the baby wasn't mine. That's why she did it."

Salma's anger intensified. This was an attack on Anastasia's character.

Now she understood. Anastasia had been pregnant before marriage and had Pattie. This had caused the Salstroms to doubt her.

Ever since Pattie's identity was revealed, Katelyn stopped visiting Anastasia as much.

Salma could understand human nature, but harming a five-month-old fetus was beyond comprehension.

Her tears hadn't dried in days. She turned away to wipe her eyes. "I'll take Pattie home."

Herman watched Salma leave, then sat back down. After a night of reflection, he wasn't as impulsive. Yesterday, he might have gone after Granny Anita, but now he felt like he was walking a tightrope at the edge of a cliff, ready to fall into the abyss. The pain of losing his child, combined with the strain of family ties, was suffocating.

When Collin heard what had happened, he cut his overseas vacation short and rushed back to comfort Herman.

Monica got the news from Salma. She hurried to the hospital, and when she found out Granny Anita was responsible, she was furious.

"Has Granny Anita lost her mind? She's crazy! How could she do this to a five-month-old fetus? Where is that old lady? I'll take care of her myself!"

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This version aims to maintain the story's emotional depth while enhancing readability and relatability for native English readers.