Chapter 194
Herman and Pattie were often seen together and are frequently mistaken for father and daughter because they had similar smiles.
Herman chuckled. âPattieâs been eating well at school. Sheâs got a bit of fat on her cheeks now, and she looks so adorable when she smiles. Sheâs gonna be a real looker when she grows up.â
Anastasia, propped up on one elbow, watched the video with anticipation and said, âSuch a sweet and adorable girl. Herman, we should have a daughter too someday.â
ââ¦Okay.â Seeing the joy in Anastasiaâs face, Herman felt a pang of sadness. He could foresee the disappointment that was to come. Anastasia regretfully said, âLeo wonât let us adopt Pattie. Otherwise, she could live with us. I really love that kid.â
But for now, Anastasia was relatively satisfied. At least Pattie was going to school, and Penny couldnât treat her as badly as before. âDo you need a break?â Herman gently brushed some stray hairs from her forehead and said, âTake some medicine, rest for a bit. Itâll help you recover.â
Anastasia indeed felt a little worn out. âIâll have a rest.â
She handed him back his phone, took the medicine and laid down beside him. Her arms wrapped around his waist. Perhaps due to the medication, Anastasia quickly fell asleep.
Herman stayed in the same position, gently patting Anastasiaâs shoulder. Her waking up was the best thing he could ask for.
By the time Anastasia woke up, it was already dark. Her life was now all topsy-turvy, with nothing to do but sleep. When she woke up, Herman wasnât in the room, and Salma was quietly making soup.
Seeing Anastasia awake, Salma asked with a smile, âDid I wake you?â
âNo.â Anastasia asked, âWhereâs Herman?â
âHe had to step out for a bit, heâll be back soon.â Salma handed Anastasia the soup. âHermanâs been taking care of you in the hospital for a month, and he hasnât been to work at all. He must have a lot of work piled up.â
After finishing her soup, Anastasia remembered a dream she had, a dream that was both real and unreal. She looked at Salma and said, âMom, when I was in the operation room, I think I dreamed that someone had a baby girl.â
Salma paused for a moment while packing up the thermos, then laughed. âAna, do you want to have a child with Herman? Thatâs great. -Just wait-till-youâve fully recovered and discharged from the hospital, then you can plan for it. Iâll help you take care of the child.â
Herman had told the doctors not to mention that Anastasia might be infertile. Salma and Katelyn didnât know, and neither did Anastasia.
âHmm, maybe.â Anastasia wondered if her dream was because she wanted a child with Herman. Her memory of the dream was fading. What she couldnât forget was the babyâs cry and the unbearable pain in her heart. She couldnât distinguish between the dream and reality. She was just grateful to be alive.
As they were chatting, Gianna and Cynthia came to visit Anastasia with some nutritional supplements,
Anastasia sat up and said, âGianna, Cynthia, youâre here.â
âDonât sit up. You need to rest.â Cynthia immediately said.
Gianna asked, âAnastasia, are you feeling better?â
âMuch better,â Anastasia answered optimistically. âIâm lucky to have survived.â
Cynthia said, âWhat doesnât kill you makes you stronger, Ana. Youâll be blessed in the future.â
Anastasia laughed. âhope your good words come true.â
Gianna said, âYou really scared Salma this time. Her hair turned white overnight. Now that youâre awake, weâre relieved.â
Salma laughed and said, âItâs all in the past.â
Anastasia had noticed the extra white in Salmaâs hair. She had been a source of worry for Salma. Just then, Giannaâs phone rang. âIâll take this call outside.â
Once Gianna left, Cynthia began to worry. âThat bastard Joey has been harassing Gianna. He didnât even show up for the first court hearing and is just dragging it out.â