The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Upon hearing that Anastasia was having a massive hemorrhage, Gianna couldn't help but feel a flash of satisfaction.

Following Salma upstairs, Gianna was shocked by the sight of blood-soaked sheets. Anastasia lay pale and weak on the bed. "Oh my God, what happened?" Gianna gasped. She had never witnessed anything like this before. Anastasia struggled to stay conscious, the pain unbearable, as if knives were stabbing her waist and stomach. She was on the brink of passing out.

"Mom, is the ambulance here yet?" Anastasia's words were slurred from the pain. No matter how she curled up, it only intensified. She felt her baby struggling inside her, amplifying her fear and helplessness.

Seeing her daughter in such agony, Salma's heart broke. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she had to stay calm. She needed to help Anastasia.

"Ana, the ambulance isn't here yet. Gianna's here, and we'll get you to the car. She'll drive you to the hospital." Salma fetched a wheelchair, and with Gianna's help, she lifted Anastasia onto it.

Used to physical labor, Salma drew on her strength, fueled by urgency and love for her daughter. Anastasia clutched her stomach, her hands covered in blood, leaving a trail behind the wheelchair.

"I'll bring the car around," Gianna said, and Salma wheeled Anastasia downstairs. By the time they reached the driveway, Gianna had already pulled up the car.

Gianna opened the car door. "Anastasia, let me help you in. Don't be scared."noveldrama

Together, Gianna and Salma helped Anastasia into the car. Salma, always attentive, found a cushion to support Anastasia's head and helped her lie on her side.

Anastasia clung tightly to Salma's hand, her eyes filled with despair. She had a terrible feeling that her baby was in grave danger.

A single tear slid down Anastasia's cheek as a chilling thought crossed her mind. This wasn't an accident. She remembered a message she'd received the night before. Someone was targeting her unborn child. But why was she suddenly hemorrhaging? She hadn't left the house all day.

Anastasia quickly thought of her food. If someone wanted to harm her, they'd likely tamper with her meals. That meant the lunch Katie had prepared could have been poisoned.

The pain was too overwhelming to think further. She stroked her stomach, her eyes filled with hopelessness.

Gianna started the car while Salma, seeing Anastasia's worsening condition, urged, "Gianna, drive faster. Head to the nearest women and children's hospital."

"Okay, okay," Gianna replied, glancing at Anastasia through the rear-view mirror. Anastasia was still bleeding, staining the seats red.

Anastasia, pale and writhing in pain, was barely conscious. Gianna checked the GPS and saw two routes to the hospital. One was congested.

At the crossroads, Gianna recalled Cynthia's taunts about always being second to Anastasia, who had married into wealth and was expecting a child, while Gianna's own marriage was a mess and she was childless in her thirties.

Thinking of Herman's handsome face and her own inadequacies compared to Anastasia, Gianna's heart hardened. She became cold and selfish.

Seeing this as an opportunity, she decided to take the congested route, disregarding Anastasia's worsening condition. Salma, entirely focused on Anastasia, didn't notice Gianna's choice. Anastasia, too overwhelmed with pain, was unaware of the detour. Gianna's choice wasn't just about the route. It was about the life of Anastasia's unborn child.

Soon, they were stuck in traffic. Cars were jammed in front and behind them, unable to move.

Seeing the traffic jam, Salma became frantic. "Why is there traffic now? This place is usually clear."

Feeling a pang of guilt, Gianna feigned regret. "I'm sorry, Aunt Salma, I didn't know there was traffic here. Looks like there's an accident ahead, and we're stuck."