Chapter 384
Penny suddenly gripped Laynaâs arms and her voice was strained with urgency. âIs your motherâs name Anastasia?â
Pennyâs abruptness startled Layna and her face was paling in fear. âLet go of me, you lunatic!â Layna cried out, struggling to free herself. Pennyâs eyes were blazing as she said, âI know where your mother is. Iâll take you to her.â
At those words, Layna finally quieted down, her fear forgotten. She gazed at Penny, her voice filled with hope. âYou know my mother?â
Penny gritted her teeth. âIâd recognize her no matter where she goes.â
Layna was dismissive, her tone imperious. âThen take me to her now. My mother is beautiful and wealthy. Iâll have her reward you once we get there.
Anastasia had just put Pattie to bed when she heard a noise at the door. Carefully tucking Pattie in, she got up to investigate.
As she reached the living room, there was a knock on the door.
Anastasia went to answer it. It was Herman. She asked, âYouâre back early. Did you forget your keys?â
you eat dinner?â
âI did.â Herman entered the house, shutting the door behind him. âI rushed back as soon as I finished my work. How was your day? Did âNot much, just half a bowl and some fruit.â Anastasia laughed. âIâm eating smaller portions more frequently. I am not overeating.â âWe have your prenatal check-up next Wednesday morning. Iâve cleared my schedule for it.â Herman took Anastasiaâs hand. âYour health comes first.â âYou donât have to exhaust yourself for me,â Anastasia said with concern. âMy mom can accompany me. Iâm not that delicate.â
âI will be there for every prenatal check-up, no exceptions,â Herman said with a smile. âYou women have a knack for holding grudges, especially during pregnancy and confinement. I must make a good impression.â
Anastasia laughed. âYouâre exaggerating.â
As Herman changed his shoes, Anastasia sat down on the foyer bench. âHerman,â she hesitated. âThereâs something i need to tell you.â âWhat is it?â Herman asked.
âItâs about that child. We may have found her.â Anastasia chose her words carefully. âThe orphanage director called me. I met the child and had a DNA tes done. Weâre waiting for the results.â
Anastasia spoke gently, and Herman listened attentively. After she finished, he looked at her, understanding what she was implying.
Herman considered for a moment. âWeâre moving to Southridge Estates the day after tomorrow. The house is big enough. If the DNA test confirms it, bring the child home.â
It wasnât that he was generous, but he didnât want to cause Anastasia any distress. It was a âLove me, love my childrenâ situation.
Anastasia was touched. âHerman, Iâm sorry. I owe you so much.â
She didnât know what else to say. Meeting Herman was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
Just as Herman was about to respond, there was another knock at the door. Who could be visiting at this hour? The two exchanged a glance, and Herman got up to answer the door. A little girl stood there, a backpack slung over her shoulders.
Herman looked at her, his expression cool. âCan I help you?â
The little girl was Layna.
Penny had brought her to Anastasiaâs house, hiding in an alley nearby to watch.
Layna looked up at him. âIâm Layna. Iâm looking for my mother. This is her house.â
Inside the house, Anastasiaâs heart skipped a beat. She came out, disbelief etched on her face. When Anastasia saw Layna at the door, she was taken aback. âHow did you find this place?â
Laynaâs face lit up with a smile. âMom, I finally found you.â
Herman, fearing the little girl might hurt the child in Anastasiaâs belly, instinctively pulled Layna away. It was a reflex action, although he never had this concern when Pattie rushed into Anastasiaâs arms.
Layna, being pulled back, was instantly displeased. She glared at Herman, her voice full of hostility. âWho are you? Let go of me.â