Chapter 150
After wrapping up Casonâs business, Herman sat down on the leather couch, poker-faced.
The cigarette between his fingers had slowly burned down to the butt, and only when he felt the sting did he stub it out in the ashtray
Herman took another look at Anastasiaâs prenatal medical records from a few years ago. Anastasia had seen the doctor every month, and the baby, a girl, was born four years ago in July.
As for the whereabouts of the child now, Salma would likely know. Herman was in turmoil, the news of Anastasia having a child left him feeling like a train
wreck
He knew Anastasia wasnât a virgin, but the news that she had given birth before came as a shock. He thought back to what Anastasia had once told him, that she suffered from severe depression and had lost a chunk of her memory
He figured that Anastasiaâs depression mightâve been tied to the birth of her child.
Herman didnât know much about Anastasiaâs past. From the cold hard words on the documents, he could only gather the surface information, However, he was dead certain about one thing. Anastasia had forgotten her experience of being pregnant and giving birth. Given her character, she wouldnât have abandoned the child.
She had shown kindness to Pattie, a stranger with no blood tie to her, let alone her own flesh and blood.
Even when her own life was hard, she wanted to adopt a girl she found, let alone a child she carried for ten months
Herman trusted that Anastasia hadnât lied to him, but he was sure Salma and Monica knew the truth. He remembered when he accompanied Anastasia for a check-up, Monica had rushed to insist on being the one to accompany Anastasia, effectively leaving him out in the cold
Clearly, Monica was worried he would find out about Anastasiaâs child.
âHerman, Iâm beat. Donât send me to that godforsaken place rext timeâ Flynn barged into the office, had just returned from Riverdale and was already venting to Herman. âThat place is a wasteland. Couldnât find a single looker Canât stand it. Do you know what kind of life Iâve been living? Like a freaking monk, all austere and stuff⦠How am I supposed to survive? And also. â
Flynn was on a roll, but Herman didnât respond, nor did he pay attention to what Flynn was saying.
âHerman, whatâs up? Flynn noticed Hermanâs mind was elsewhere, he waved his hand in front of Hermanâs face. âYou look like youâve lost your soul, did you have a fight with your wife?â
Herman stood up. âItâs good youâre back. I have a dinner to attend tonight, youâll go in my place.â
Flynn immediately complained. âNo way, I just got back, let me restâ
âConsider it a traning for you. The dinner is at seven, donât screw it up,â Herman said, picking up the documents and his phone from the table, he left.
Night fell quickly.
Herman aimlessly drove around town, and then Anastasiaâs call came in.
Seeing the caller ID, Herman frowned deeply.
He could accept that Anastasia wasnât a virgin and that she had given birth before. But he couldnât stomach the idea that there might have been a very important man in Anastasiaâs life.
What kind of man could make Anastasia drop out of school, get pregnant, and even give up her future to have a baby? Herman was terrified at the thought, he didnât even dare to uncover the secret.
Anastasia had said that the missing memories could affect their marriage, and this made Herman even more hesitant. If Anastasia could remember, would she leave him to find that man?
He didnât pick up Anastasiaâs call, he put his phone on silent and stepped on the gas, driving out of town. He needed somewhere to cool off. Meanwhile, Anastasia was at home, looking at the unanswered call, feeling uneasy
âAna, did you get through? When is Herman coming back? We should eat Salma Jewell came out of the kitchen with a plate of food,
Anastasia had rushed home after work because she was worried about Pattie Sshe didnât wait for Herman to pick her up and took a cab home instead. Anastasia put away her phone and said. âHeâs probably still busy Letâs eat.
âPattie must be hungry Come on Anastasia took Pattieâs hand and walked towards the dining table. âMom, Itâs been a while since Iâve had your cooking. Why donât you move in? That way, Herman and I can have your home-cooked meals every day after work.â
Salma laughed. âYou just want me to help with housework, donât you? You might be up for it, but Iâm not.â