The Bound Between Us

Chapter 396

Anastasia felt a chill running down her spine, both from Layna’s maliciousness and concern for Pattie’s wellbeing.

When Herman had brought Pattie to the hospital, her face was smeared with blood, which was a sight that shook them to the core.

The love Herman had for Pattie was no secret to Anastasia. Despite not being related by blood, Herman treated Pattie like his own daughter. He would buy her the best and the most expensive of everything, had even decorated a pink princess room for her in their new house, and built a mini amusement park in their backyard.

When Layna “woke up” from her trance, she was led to the emergency room by Salma. Anastasia was afraid when she saw Layna. She didn’t know how to face this child anymore.

“Ana, how’s Pattie doing?” Salma asked anxiously.

Anastasia replied, “She’s still inside. We have to wait for the doctor to come out to know -more.”

Layna, sensing the tense atmosphere, softly called out, “Mom.”

Anastasia couldn’t respond this time. She couldn’t even bear to look at Layna.

Just then, the doctor emerged from the emergency room. “Family of Paradise?”

Anastasia and Herman immediately stood up. Herman asked, “Doctor, how’s my daughter?”

The doctor replied, “There are two wounds on her head, but luckily they’re not deep and haven’t hit any crucial parts. We’ve stitched them up. The child’s hand is also sprained, so be careful when taking care

of her.”

When Pattie had fallen down the stairs, she had cut her head and bled, which looked horrifying, but her injuries were not severe.

Upon hearing this, Anastasia and Herman heaved a sigh of relief.

Soon, Pattie was moved to a regular room. She was still unconscious, as the anesthesia hadn’t worn off. Pattie’s hair had been cut off due to the stitches on her head, and except for the top, her head was wrapped in bandages.

Seeing such a small child suffer, Anastasia and Herman were heartbroken. Herman, noticing Anastasia’s fatigue, said, “Anastasia, you and Salma should go home. I’ll stay here at the hospital.”

“I want to wait for Pattie to wake up.” Anastasia turned to Salma and said, “Mom, you take Layna home first.”

Salma agreed, “Alright, I’ll take the child home first. I’ll bring you some dinner later.”

Layna looked at Anastasia with a remorseful expression. “Mom, I’m sorry…”

Anastasia asked her calmly, “What are you sorry for?”

Layna didn’t reply. Her lips quivered, on the verge of tears. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Anastasia, whose heart was filled with a mixture of emotions, asked hopefully, “Why did you take your sister to the station? Why did you say you didn’t see her when she was in the abandoned building? Layna, give me an explanation.”

Salma was taken aback as she wasn’t aware of these incidents.

“I… I… Pattie asked me to take her out to play…” Layna blinked back tears. “I’m sorry mom. I was just too scared.”

With one word ‘scared’, Layna wanted to gloss over the whole incident. If it had been any other child, Anastasia might have believed them, but as for Layna, she didn’t.

Anastasia turned away, filled with disappointment. “Mom, take her home.”

Sálma took Layna home. On the way, she asked Layna if it was her who took Pattie to the station. Layna repeated the same story that Pattie had asked her to take her out.

Salma knew Pattie wasn’t the type to play such a dangerous prank. She had been taking care of Pattie for a while and knew her well. So Salma didn’t ask any further. Back home, she started preparing dinner..The sky had turned dark by the time she finished cooking.

Salma told Layna to stay put at home. Then she took the food in a thermos and headed to the hospital.

Pattie had woken up for a moment before falling asleep again. Herman had gone to the police station to handle the matter with Leo and Penny. When Salma arrived, only Anastasia was there.

“Ana, eat something first. Don’t starve yourself. The baby in your womb needs nutrition,” Salma said, setting the food out on a small table.

Anastasia didn’t have an appetite, but considering the baby, she nodded. “Okay.”

She changed her position and told Salma, “Keep an eye on the IV drip. Let me know when it’s about to finish.”

“Okay.” Salma walked over to check the IV drip. It was still about one-third full.

As she was about to sit down, her gaze inadvertently fell on Pattie’s shaved head. Pattie’s hair had been shaven due to the stitches, which allowed Salma to see a birthmark on Pattie’s head. It was about the size of a fingernail and shaped like a heart,

Salma’s heart skipped a beat. Her face paled. She moved closer to inspect it, and it was indeed a heart-shaped birthmark.

She remembered that Anastasia’s daughter had a birthmark of the same shape on her head. She remembered it clearly.