The Bound Between Us

Chapter 151

Salma simply didn’t want to butt into Anastasia and Herman’s newlywed life.

Anastasia and Herman had just tied the knot, and they were not even a few months in.

Understanding Salma’s thoughts, Anastasia said, “Mom, you see how busy Herman and I are, nobody’s gonna be around to watch over Pattie. With her going to and from school, she needs someone to drop her off and pick her up. We just won’t have the time. Mom, I have to lean on you.”

Hearing this, Salma glanced at Pattie and asked Anastasia, “So you’re saying, Pattie is gonna be living with us?”

Anastasia and Herman were still young; they would eventually have kids of their own. Taking care of someone else’s kid now would definitely put the pressure on them

Anastasia didn’t delve into the topic further with Pattie present. She passed her some food and said, “Eat up, Pattle.”

Pattie was a sensitive kid, she’d picked up on Salma’s words and realized she was probably a burden. She didn’t say anything, and just quietly ate her meal. After finishing her meal, she took it upon herself to clear the table and do the dishes, showing a level of maturity beyond her years.

Anastasia stopped her. “Pattie, you go and watch some TV in the living room, leave this to me.”

Pattie put down the dishes and obediently went to watch TV in the living room.

Salma saw all of this. Holding the leftover dishes, she quietly asked, “Ana, what are you planning to do about the kid?” “Herman and I have talked it over, if Pattie’s family agrees, we’ll adopt her,” Anastasia

answered with a smile. “Herman doesn’t have any parents, and we’re both working, so we might need your help taking her to and from school.”

“That’s not a problem, but the issue is, she’s someone else’s kid. It’s one thing to have her over for a day or two, but if you really want to raise her, have you considered the costs?” Salma advised her, “You and Herman are going to want your own kids someday, have you calculated those costs? This isn’t like keeping a pet where you just provide food. This is a child who needs education. Besides, doesn’t she have parents? I don’t agree with you adopting her.”

Every concern Salma had was grounded in reality and was meant for Anastasia’s best interest.

Looking at Pattie, who was quietly watching TV in the living room, Anastasia said, “Pattie’s parents probably aren’t her biological ones. She was likely adopted by them. That couple had their own child and frequently abused Pattie. Look at her, she’s covered in bruises. She’s just over four years old and hasn’t started kindergarten. If this continues, her entire life could be ruined.”

“We could contact social services or an orphanage, there are many ways to help the kid. Why do you insist on adopting her?” Salma persuaded, “Pattie is a lovely child, and is pitiful, but we need to make decisions based on reality. What will you do when you have your own kids? Have you considered the cost of a child’s annual tuition?”

Salma had given up Anastasia’s biological daughter years ago to not interfere with Anastasia’s happiness. Now Anastasia wanted to adopt a stranger’s child, Salma was genuinely opposed.

Salma’s words left Anastasia speechless “Mom, things aren’t as bad as you’re making them out to be…”

“Your husband doesn’t make much each month, he’s working himself to the bone, and coming home late. We’re living in Riverdale. Life’s expensive here. Once you’re pregnant, you can’t work and all the pressure will fall onto your husband.” Salma gently tapped Anastasia’s forehead. “You silly girl, always

too soft hearted. You have to listen to me on this, we can’t adopt her. You could help Pattie find a better family, wouldn’t that solve the problem? Why insist on bearing the burden yourself?”

Anastasia knew she couldn’t convince her mother, so she had to say, “Alright, Mom, let’s not discuss this now.”

“You can’t avoid this issue. Gianna has been childless for a while. I can ask if she’s willing to adopt

Anastasia quickly said, “Mom, don’t say that. Gianna is so brash, how could she possibly be suitable to raise a child?” Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Salma said, “Glanna is in a better situation than you guys. She can’t have kids. Isn’t it a win-win if she adopts? You could still see Pattie regularly.”

“Mom…” Before Anastasia could finish, Pattie’s voice came from behind. “It’s starting to rain outside.”

Anastasia then remembered that there were clothes hanging outside. “Mom, you wash the dishes, I’ll bring in the clothes.”

Anastasia gave Salma a look, signaling not to say anything inappropriate in front of Pattie. Pattie was very sensitive and got easily hurt.