Chapter 276
Anastasia always had a knack for seeing right through things. Salma offered a slightly awkward smile, âHe came to see me once.â
This wasnât surprising to Anastasia. While tying her apron to cook, she asked, âWhat did he want this time?â
âYour dad said thereâs a good day next month he picked. He hopes you could go home.â Salma, leaning on her cane at the kitchen entrance, carefully observed Anastasiaâs face as she spoke. She looked cautious, like a kid caught red-handed by adults.
Anastasia sighed internally, âAnd how did you respond?â
Seeing Anastasiaâs lack of strong reaction, her mom felt slightly relieved, âI told him weâd discuss when you get back.â
Anastasia cut to the chase, âDid he say anything about his plans for you?â
This question left Salma speechless. Tavon had been talking about compensation, but there was nothing substantial. Even the house and share transfers were for Anastasia. Salma really had nothing.
Salma gave an awkward chuckle, âHe just wants you back home, and nothing else matters. He said he wants you to help manage the vineyard, and even promised a higher-paying job for your husband.â
Anastasia stood up, âMom, did you promise him anything else?â.
This question left Salma at a loss. âUmâ¦â She couldnât look Anastasia in the eyes and stuttered.
Anastasia came straight out with it, âMom, haveâ; you thought it through? Tavon has a family. He has children and a wife.â
Put it bluntly, if Salma went to Willowbrook with him
ow, what would her status be? A friend? Or a mistress? Salma looked at Anastasia painfully, her lips were trembling, but she couldnât utter a word, just awkwardly gripping her cane.
Seeing her mom like this, Anastasia felt heartbroken. She went over and hugged her, âMom, I just donât want you to get hurt. We
to be happy. Tavon wants you to go to Willowbrook, right? If you want to go, then go.â
Anastasia wouldnât stop her. Some things, she needed to see for herself. It might be cruel, but it was better than having ou
each other, and I also want you
Salma felt guilty. She really wanted to go to Willowbrook, not just for Tavon, but also for Anastasia. If Tavon really wanted to acknowledge them as his family, that would be wonderful. If not, she wouldnât let him hurt her daughter. Salma didnât say anything else. She felt grateful for having such an understanding daughter.
Soon, Herman and Pattie came back with groceries. Pattie went to play with Salma while Herman went into the kitchen to help Anastasia cook.
That night.
As they lay in bed, Anastasia snuggled up to Herman and talked about her mom. Herman really couldnât say much about it, and Anastasia was just venting. Herman gently stroked her hair, âLet things come naturally and accept it since it already happened.â
âOk.â Anastasia took a deep breath, hugged his waist tightly, and closed her eyes, âIâm tired. I need to sleep because I have work tomorrow.â
âAlright, goodnight.â Herman said.
The next day.
Anastasia walked Pattie to kindergarten since it was close by.
Pattie was very sensible. At the school gate, she waved to Anastasia, âBye, Mom.â
Anastasia waved back with a smile, âBye, listen to your teacher, and Iâll pick you up after school. if I canât make it, Grandma will.â
âOk.â Pattie followed her teacher into the school.
Anastasia watched for a while at the school gate. After Pattie went into the classroom, she turned to leave. Herman was waiting for her by the roadside in the Chevy. He honked when he saw her.
Anastasia was surprised to see the Chevy, âDid you get the car back so soon?â
They had took a flight, and the Chevy had been shipped back.
Herman rolled down the window, âIt wasnât a long drive. The car was back last night. Hop in, Iâll drop you to work.â
Anastasia got in. It had been a few months since sheâd worked, and she was a little nervous. Herman dropped her off at the office. They waved at each other, and then Anastasia turned to go into the office. She had barely taken a few steps when she saw Harmon standing at the entrance, staring at her in a way that made her uncomfortable.