Chapter 351
Herman briskly walked up to Anastasia, taking her hand in his. Anastasiaâs palm was cold.
âWhy are you here? Didnât I ask Dailey to take you home?â Herman said, shooting a frosty glance at Dailey who had followed them in.
Dailey shrugged, a helpless expression on his face, âBoss, she insisted on coming.â
Anastasia gave Hermanâs hand a little squeeze and said, âItâs not his fault; it was my decision to come. Weâre married, and we should face everything together. I couldnât possibly leave it all to you.â
Anastasia was actually quite nervous. Her heart was fluttering, which was why her palms were so cold. On the way back to Harmony Meadows, she changed her mind and asked Dailey to bring her here. The conflict within the Salstroms started with her. How could she hide from it?
Saying this, Anastasia looked at Grandma Anita, then at Feiman and Katelyn. She didnât say anything, merely bowing deeply in their direction.
This gesture from Anastasia stirred mixed feelings within Feiman and Katelyn. Katelyn had always been fond of Anastasia. She was quite happy with her daughter-in-law, even now. Just like Flynn had said, they could always try in vitro fertilization. As for Anastasiaâs past, it was all water under the bridge now and not something that was completely unacceptable. Of course, Katelyn could not deny that her acceptance of Anastasia was partly due to Grandma Anitaâs disapproval. Everyone had a rebellious streak.
While Grandma Anita disapproved of Anastasia, Katelyn saw a reflection of her younger self in her. She didnât want her daughter-in-law to walk the same difficult path she
had.
After her bow, Anastasia sincerely confessed, âIâm sorry for letting you all down. Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Anastasia. I graduated from high school and dropped out of college after less than a semester. I self-taught French, German, and English.â
After dropping out, Anastasia didnât give up on her education. She had a knack for languages and self-taught three of them. Although she never took any exams, she had no problem communicating in them.
Anastasia continued calmly, âI once registered for a GED but couldnât take the exam due to an emergency. I like jewelry design. I used to sell my designs at a flea market. I grew up in a single-parent household. A few years ago, I got pregnant out of wedlock and gave birth to a daughter. I donât know where my daughter is now, and because of my health issues, itâs hard for me to get pregnant again.â
Anastasia laid it all bare, everything she should have confessed earlier, so that the Salstroms wouldnât have to hear it from someone else.
After Anastasia finished speaking, Katelyn had tears in her eyes. She could empathize with Anastasia. Todayâs Anastasia was just like her over two decades ago, yearning for the Salstromsâ approval.
Hearing Anastasiaâs story, Herman felt even sadder.
However, Grandma Anitaâs face remained sullen. âDo you think youâre worthy of joining the Salstrom family?â She asked.
âGrandma.â Hermanâs voice dropped a few degrees colder.
Anastasia subtly tugged at Hermanâs hand, signaling him not to argue with his grandmother.
Anastasia managed a slight smile and replied with grace, âGrandma, your grandson is indeed very outstanding. To be honest, a few months ago, I wouldnât have even dared to dream of becoming his wife. By all accounts, Iâm not worthy of him. Aside from my sincere feelings, I donât have much else to offer him.â
Grandma Anita snorted, âAt least youâre aware of that. Even if you hadnât had a child, you still wouldnât be fit to be my granddaughter-in-law.â
Unfazed by Grandma Anitaâs belittling remarks, Anastasia calmly responded, âBut I am already a member of the Salstrom family. Thatâs an undeniable fact. Herman and I are legally married. Even if you donât accept it, itâs the truth. I have no intention of divorcing him.â
This statement left Grandma Anita seething, âUnbelievable.â
Herman didnât try to stop Anastasia, but let her continue. Neither Katelyn nor Feiman said a word, and Flynn was sure to keep quiet too.
Anastasia tightened her grip on Hermanâs hand and told Grandma Anita, âThereâs no need to get upset on my account. I donât want a penny from the Salstrom family. I am
willing to sign a prenup. If one day, Herman is tired of me, or vice versa, I will walk out of the Salstrom family without taking anything with me.â
âHow dare you suggest that you might become tired of my grandson?â Grandma Anita was not pleased.