Chapter 368

Gianna blinked her eyes open, realizing that it was all just a figment of her imagination. She felt a sense of relief that she hadn’t actually voiced her thoughts, otherwise, Herman might avoid her forever.

“Thanks,” Gianna said as she got out of the car.

“Hmm,” Herman replied indifferently, not saying anything else before walking away. His task was done.

Gianna stood still, staring into the distance for a long time. She brought the handkerchief in her hand to her nose, inhaling the scent of Herman. It smelled good, like gardenias.

The handkerchief was a bespoke item, with the corner hand-embroidered with Herman’s name. He had many such handkerchiefs, so he didn’t particularly care about this one. However, to Gianna, it was a treasured possession. After all, it carried his scent. It was a personal item of his.

Gianna sniffed the scent on the handkerchief, smiling and obsessing over Herman in her heart and under her breath, constantly murmuring his name. She had never been this infatuated even when she was in love with Joey back in the day.

It was as if she had come back to life. In front of Herman, Gianna wasn’t her usual spoiled and arrogant self. Instead, she was cautious and full of joy, completely like a woman in the throes of a secret crush.

The next day, Anastasia was discharged from the hospital. Katelyn and Feiman both came, showing how important Anastasia was to the family.

“How about you take Ana home, Herman? I can take care of her too,” Katelyn suggested.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Feiman agreed.

Hearing this, Anastasia glanced at Herman. As he helped her pack up her clothes, he said, “No need.

I’ll take Anastasia back to our place at Harmony Meadows. She’s used to living there, so it’s more conducive to her recovery.”

Herman wouldn’t let Anastasia be bothered by Grannie Anita, who didn’t like Anastasia, at Salstrom Manor.

Understanding Herman’s intentions, Katelyn and Feiman didn’t say any more on the matter.

Salma didn’t come to pick her up, as she was busy cooking at home. Today Anastasia was getting discharged from the hospital, so Salma had gone to the market early in the morning with Pattie to buy groceries and cook chicken soup.

Pattie was very diligent. As long as there was work to be done, she would help out, and sometimes even compete with others to do the tasks. Pattie was afraid that her new parents would grow tired of her and not want her anymore, so she worked hard and hoped that everyone would like her.

When they reached home, Anastasia could smell the delicious food. “Mom, what are you cooking? It smells so good,” she called out as she stepped inside.

Hearing Anastasia’s voice, Salma came out of the kitchen with a bright smile on her face. “You’re back, my dear. I’ve cooked chicken soup, sour fish stew, and duck. It’ll be ready soon.”

As soon as Anastasia sat down, Pattie brought her a glass of water. “Thanks, Pattie,” Anastasia said, feeling like the apple of everyone’s eye.

From the moment Anastasia walked in, Salma noticed that Pattie hadn’t stopped doing chores. Even when there was nothing to do, she would find something to keep herself busy.

“Pattie, do you want to watch TV? I can turn it on for you,” Anastasia asked, noticing Pattie’s strange behavior.

“No, Mom. I don’t like watching TV,” Pattie answered.

Anastasia was stunned. This was a complete change from the Pattie she knew who used to be excited at the prospect of watching TV.

“Pattie has been such a good girl today. She woke up early, mopped the floor, helped me go grocery shopping, washed the vegetables, and even did her own laundry,” Salma praised Pattie, oblivious to any issues.

Hearing Salma’s description, Anastasia exchanged a glance with Herman, who had just come out of the room. They both sensed something was off with Pattie.

“Pattie, tell us if there’s something you’re hiding from us. We’re a family, so we should share everything.” Herman gently probed, sitting down next to her.

Pattie was playing with her hands but kept her mouth shut.

“Pattie, we love you. But if you keep secrets from us, we will be upset,” Anastasia softly said.

Upon hearing this, Pattie burst into tears. “Mom, please don’t be mad. Don’t abandon me. I’m a good girl. I can do all the chores.”

Her sudden outburst left Anastasia startled, “Pattie, it’s okay. Mom’s not mad. Don’t cry,” she comforted.

Herman added, “Pattie, we’re not blaming you or asking you to do chores. We’re happy that you’re mature. We just hope that you would share your secrets with us.”

Salma was equally flabbergasted by Pattie’s tears. “Pattie, what happened.”

Katelyn and Feiman, unsure of how to console her, could only watch silently from the side.

Through her sobs, Pattie blurted out, “Great-aunt Cynthia said that once you have your own baby, you won’t want me anymore. I’ve been a good girl, so please don’t leave me behind.”

Anastasia’s heart skipped a beat at her words.