In the days that followed, Anastasia stayed in the hospital for treatment. She took her meds, went through the tests-everything the doctors ordered-without anyints.


    Herman found herpliance both heartbreaking and worrisome.


    After the initial shock of learning that Grannie Anita was responsible for the loss of their baby, Anastasia managed to keep her emotions in check. She had a meltdown at first, but then she pulled herself together. Herman could sense how desperately Anastasia wanted to get better. She was itching to get out of the hospital.


    He had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to do once she got out, but he felt powerless to stop her. He didn''t have the right.


    After the miscarriage, Anastasia''s close friends-Lauren, Alessia, and Christine-visited her at the hospital.


    She was in a bad ce, mostly silent. Not even Pattie''s presence could cheer her up.


    Everyone mourned the loss of the baby deeply.


    Tavon rushed to the hospital as soon as he heard the news. His voice echoed down the hallway before he even reached the room. "Anastasia, don''t be too upset. You can have another baby. Just take care of yourself..." Salma intercepted him before he could step inside.


    "Don''t disturb Ana''s rest," Salma warned him. "She''s not in a good mood. Don''t bring up the baby and upset her more."


    "How''s Ana doing? Is she any better?" Tavon asked, worried. "I''m her father, I have to care for her. Where''s my son-inw? Where is he?"


    "Are you here to see your daughter or to find your wealthy son-inw?" Salma shot back, her face stern.


    "Of course, I''m here for my daughter," Tavon rified quickly. As long as Anastasia was okay, his connection to the Salstrom family was secure.


    "It''s alright that the baby''s gone. Just take care of yourself, and everything will be fine with your husband. You''ll have other children," Tavon tried to reassure her, without even asking why Anastasia had miscarried in the first ce. "Are you out of your mind, Tavon? What do you mean it''s alright?" Salma retorted angrily.


    At that moment, the sound of shattering ss came from the room. Anastasia had overheard their argument and, out of frustration, had smashed a cup. She was struggling to keep her emotions in check.


    Realizing things were getting out of hand, Salma told Tavon to leave. "She doesn''t want to see anyone right now," she said before heading back into the room and closing the door behind her. Tavon had no choice but to leave. He''d done his part by visiting.


    At the hospital entrance, Tavon bumped into Herman. He quickly put on a sorrowful face and said, "Son-inw, I''ve heard about what happened. You both are still young, there''s still a chance for another baby. Just take care of yourselves." Herman nodded, his face nk. He''d been struggling with his own grief and hadn''t been sleeping well. His bloodshot eyes and unkempt appearance were a stark contrast to his usual self.


    If Tavon weren''t Anastasia''s dad, Herman wouldn''t have even acknowledged him.


    "Alright," Herman muttered and walked away. Tavon understood that their rtionship wasn''t the most important thing as long as the outside world remained unaware of their tension. Herman brought some food for Anastasia. He walked into the room carrying the food just as Salma was preparing to leave.


    "Ana, I''ll go home now. Pattie is alone at home. If you need anything, let me know and I''ll bring it next time," Salma said.


    Then she turned to Herman and added, "Son-inw, take care of Ana. I''m leaving."


    Herman replied, "Alright, take care, mom."


    After Salma left, Herman ced the food on the table. Anastasia watched him silently.


    He handed her a fork. "Eat something. Even if you''re upset, you need energy. Without food, you won''t have any strength."


    Anastasia didn''t take the fork. She looked at him and asked coldly, "Our baby is gone, Herman. Don''t you think we owe it to him to find out what happened?"