The Bound Between Us

Chapter 345

It wasn’t the first time someone had remarked on the striking resemblance between Pattie and her adoptive parents, Anastasia and Herman.

Anastasia was always careful to maintain Pattie’s self-esteem and avoided any suggestions that she was adopted. She didn’t want Pattie to feel less loved or out of place. Gently touching Pattie’s cheek, Anastasia would often say, “It’s not about blood. It’s about family. You are meant to be our daughter, Pattie.”

Her words were ambiguous enough to avoid direct mention of adoption, yet intimate enough to imply a natural bond.

“Say hello to the ladies, Pattie.” Anastasia encouraged.

Pattie waved her little hand, her voice sweet and soft, “Hello, ladies.”

for her good

daughter like

would you get a

are everywhere. If I can’t find the right one, I’ll just find one with good looks. I can have a baby, and raise her on my

their banter filled with a sense of independence and empowerment. They were all successful, either being wealthy from family fortunes or self-made entrepreneurs.

herself struggling to keep up with the modern mindset of the younger women. She herself was a single mother and understood the hardships that came with it. Yet, she admired the young women’s ability to

back room. Feeling a sudden anxiety, she realized she hadn’t seen Katelyn or Grannie Anita

seen my mother-in-law?” Anastasia asked

seen her since the opening ceremony.” Salma replied, “She greeted me

and said, “Mom, can you look after Pattie? I’ll go