Chapter 134
Herman cracked a smile, saying, âIf you run into these issues again, just give me a shout, alright? Donât bottle it all up. A family is a two-person job. Iâve got to shoulder some of the load.â
âI just didnât want to be a bother,â she replied.
The topic reminded Anastasia about the new house. I didnât get a chance to ask you last night. Howâd you manage to scrape together enough dough to buy the house?â This was a million-dollar pad, and if it was all on Hermanâs salary, it would take decades to afford.
Herman took her hand and led her towards the dining room, saying. This is money my folks left me. They wanted me to have enough to buy a house when I tied the knot. They thought it would give you a sense of security, even if itâs joint property.â
Herman was still holding his cards close to his chest. He knew the house alone had been enough to get Anastasia all fired up. Some things had to be handled cautiously
The breakfast table was loaded with food, and Anastasia was beginning to feel peckish. Between bites, she continued, âCan you handle the paperwork. for the houses we buy after weâre hitched on your own without me signing off?â
Iâve got contacts who specialize in this kind of thing. Shouldnât be too tough, Herman replied nonchalantly. âYouâre the lady of the house. You can rest easyâ
âDid Monica say something to you? How come youâre spilling all the bears now?â she asked.
Herman gave a chuckle. The property management called.â
It was the call from the property management that had brought the house issue to light for Herman. He figured it was time to come clean.
Anastasia asked, âArenât you worried that Iâll break up with you and then take half the house since my name is on the deed?â
Herman didnt seem to mind. He laughed and said, âIf that ever happens, it will mean I screwed up. If I canât even keep my wife, the house should be
yours.â
Anastasia laughed. âYouâre really laying it on thick today You were a bit wary of me at first, werenât you?â If not, he wouldnât have kept it from her.
Herman nodded honestly. âMore like observing, Id say. Itâs a normal mindset, Anastasia, but it doesnât affect my feelings for you. I enjoyed getting to know you better and then falling for you I hope we can grow old togetherâ
Anastasia felt her heart skip a beat This was the first time he had expressed his feelings for her so explicitly. His words were irrefutable, and she loved
his answer.
Their shotgun marriage was a risky move. Only by getting to know each other better could they minimize the risks. Marriage was a serious matter. Anastasia quietly took a sip of her soup and let the house issue slide. A house was just a shell. It was only when both parties hearts were truly connected that it became a home filled with warmth.
After breakfast, Herman drove Anastasia to work. As they passed Katelynâs door, Anastasia asked, âWhereâs Ms. Katelyn been lately? I havenât seen her for days.
Herman casually replied, âI think sheâs on a trip. Havenât been keeping tabs on her.â
âOh, remember your cousin helped us out? We should invite him over for dinner sometime.â
âHe might be tied up recently. No rush, thereâll be plenty of opportunities.â
Herman certainly didnât mention that heâd assigned Flynn to work on a project in the southwest region.
âOkay,â Anastasia didnât dig any further.
They reached the underground parking lot, where Herman was ready to drive Anastasia to work. As they drove out of the complex, Anastasia spotted a thin and familiar figure squatting by a trash can. She immediately called out, âHerman, stop the car!â
âWhatâs wrong?â asked Herman after he hit the brakes.
Anastasia was looking at Pattie, who was squatting next to the trash can. She got out of the car and walked over, Pattie, what are you doing here?â There was a packet with a slice of bread on the ground in front of Pattie. It had been thrown away without being opened. Pattie was eyeing the bread greedily She wanted to eat it but didnât dare.
Anastasia understood Pattieâs hesitation and felt a pang of sadness. In this day and age, how could there still be kids scavenging for food in trash cans?
Pattie looked up at Anastasia, her face dirty. She swallowed and said, âIâm hungry.â