Chapter 32


    Chapter 32


    Anastasia popped open the box, revealing a pair of rings.


    She looked at Herman and instantly got the gist


    He said, “These are our wedding rings. We didn’t have time to buy them when we registered for our


    marriage, now I want to make up for that”


    “When did you buy these?” Anastasia asked, touched.


    Though she didn’t really care much about having a wedding ring, his thoughtfulness made her heart


    flutter.


    bought them yesterday” Herman grabbed her hand, picked up the female ring from the box, and put it


    on her


    Under the soft glow of the candle, his present, along with the bowl of pasta, created a romantic


    atmosphere.


    He said, “Anastasia, I hope our marriage canst forever”


    He didn’t make any passionate derations or sweet talk, but this sincere expression was enough to


    move anyone


    Their marriage was a hasty decision, but they both wished for it tost.


    “Mhm “Anastasia nodded.


    He chuckled and put on his own ring Let’s eat, the food’s getting cold.”


    Maybe because of the gift, or maybe because of the romantic atmosphere, Anastasia felt like this was


    the best pasta she’d ever had. In that moment, she felt so happy to be with Herman,


    Herman was gentle and refined, making her feelfortable when she was with him.


    The next morning.


    Anastasia woke up early, she was going to the market to buy groceries for lunch As she was about to


    change her shoes to go out, Herman woke up. “Where are you off to this early?”


    I’m going to the market to buy groceries for lunch. Did you forget my mom ising over for lunch


    today? Oh, did you invite your rtives?”


    I’ve already called them, Herman said. “Wait for me, I’ll change and go with you.”


    Anastasia certainly wouldn’t refuse his help, so they went to the market together. On the way, they


    grabbed a wrap from a stand near their apartmentplex.


    Anastasia was very familiar with the local market, she knew exactly what to buy, while Herman helped


    carry the bags. It was Herman’s first time in such a bustling ce, he was a bit overwhelmed.


    After buying everything, they quickly returned home to start cooking.


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    As for the previous electricity issue, Herman had called Flynn to sort it out.


    Anastasia was busy cooking in the kitchen, while Herman helped out. Just because Herman was rich


    and didn’t need to do these chores, didn’t mean he


    couldn’t


    Around 10:30, the doorbell rang. Anastasia was stewing pork knuckles so Herman went to open the


    door. It was Katelyn and Flynn, they were both taken


    aback to see Herman in an apron.


    “Son, you’re cooking? Katelyn asked, surprised.


    Flynn was even more shocked, he gave Herman a once–over and then gave him a thumbs up,


    “Herman, you’re a model husband.”


    Herman red at Flynn. “If you want to stay for lunch, be careful of what you said.”


    Flynnughed. “Got it.”


    Anastasia called from the kitchen, “Herman, who’s at the door?”


    Flynn shouted back. “It’s me.”


    Flynn entered the room, followed by Katelyn. “Anastasia, let me help you.”


    Today, Katelyn was dressed casually, not as elegant as usual.


    “Ms Katelyn, please have a seat in the living room, I can handle this,” Anastasia said, smiling. “Herman,


    go keep Ms. Katelynpany.”


    The kitchen wasn’t big, with a look from Herman, Katelyn went to rest in the living room.


    Flynn, however, made himself at home, munching on chips in the living room.


    Not long after, Salma and Monica arrived. It was their first time, and they weren’t familiar with the route,


    so Herman went downstairs to pick them up. Monica, knowing that Herman was the CEO of Elysian


    Technologies, was no longer as casual as before, she seemed a bit reserved


    The CEO of a billion–dorpany, with such a high social status, was living in a three–bedroom


    apartment and even helping out in the kitchen.


    If it wasn’t for Monica double–checking and seeing Katelyn, Herman’s mother, she would’ve thought


    she was mistaken.


    Monica was secretly observing Katelyn’s attitude towards Anastasia. Katelyn seemed friendly towards


    Anastasia and was very warm towards Salma, which made her even more suspicious, what was the


    Salstrom family after?


    Suddenly, Monica needed to use the bathroom. “Ana, I need to use the restroom, where’s your room?”


    Since the guest bathroom was upied by Flynn, Monica, in a hurry, had to use the one in the master


    bedroom.


    “My room doesn’t have a restroom.” Anastasia turned to Herman. “Can we use your restroom?”


    Herman nodded. “Sure.”


    Their brief conversation surprised everyone.


    My room? Your room? Didn’t they share a room?


    Didn’t this mean they slept in separate rooms?


    Flynn and Katelyn exchanged nces, and so did Salma and Monica.


    Anastasia didn’t realize there was an issue and took Monica to the restroom in the master bedroom.


    After Monica finished her business, she asked Anastasia in a low voice, “You and Herman don’t share


    a room? You guys sleep separately?”


    Monica also noticed that there weren’t any female products in the master bathroom.


    Anastasia didn’t think it was a big deal andughed. “Yeah, we’re still not familiar with each other, so, of


    course, we sleep separately.”


    Not familiar?


    Monica reminded her, “Ana, you guys are already married, haven’t you guys… you know?”


    Anastasia shook her head bashfully just as Salma walked in.


    Salma whispered, “Ana, have you and Herman been sleeping separately all this time?”


    Anastasia was being grilled in the bedroom while Herman was getting the third degree from Katelyn in


    the living room. Katelyn was hoping for grandkids and was shocked to find out her son and daughter–


    inw were sleeping separately.


    Anastasia nodded. “Yeah, we both think we should spend some time together first, see if we’re right for


    each other.”


    Monica probed, “And if you’re not, what then? Divorce?”


    She thought it was a gift from heaven that Anastasia could marry into such a good family. She was


    determined to make them a couple, no matter what. A man like Herman was a rare catch.


    Anastasia looked at Salma and Monica. “I guess so. If we’re not a good fit, there’s no point forcing it.”


    Life was too long for a bad marriage. Salma thought for a moment. “Anastasia, you’re making the right


    choice. Take some time to get to know him, you guys rushed into marriage. Take it slow now.”


    “Okay, Mom” Anastasia remembered the food in the kitchen. “Oops, the pork I’m stewing is still on the


    stove, gotta go check on it.”


    Once Anastasia left, Salma grabbed Monica. “Monica, has Anastasia been acting strangetely, or has


    she said anything to you?”


    “No, Salma, what’s going on?”


    “Yesterday, Anastasia came home and said she remembered some things,” Salma said worriedly. “I’m


    afraid if she remembered that incident, it could ruin her life.”


    Monica’s heart sank, if Anastasia really remembered or if Herman found out her secret, they could be


    in hot water. That incident was years ago, and now Monica had almost forgotten about it.


    “Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, I promise to take care of Anastasia and make sure she and Herman


    have a happy marriage.”


    “Anastasia is lucky to have a friend like you,” Salma said. “Monica, I’ve been having dreamstely,


    about that child, my great–granddaughter. I just… I just…”


    Thinking about it, Salma was filled with regret.