Anastasia and Herman stepped into their apartment, their little secret hideaway where joy and love flourished without limits. As soon as the door clicked shut, Anastasia shrugged off her coat, and they fell into a fervent embrace, their kisses mapping a fiery path from the


    living room to the bedroom, and finally the bathroom. Every spot became a yground of their passion.


    The shower sprayed, water droplets dancing wildly, mirroring the whirlwind of their emotions and desires. Herman''s eyes were aze as he admired her smooth, curvaceous figure. "Baby," he murmured, using a term of endearment he reserved for moments like these. His voice, deep and maic, carried a seductive undertone that left her powerless.


    Clinging to his arms, Anastasia lost herself in the ecstasy he brought. With him, all her pains and worries faded away. He was her remedy. And wasn''t she his, just the same?


    Afterward, spent and content, she copsed onto him, her eyes barely open. "Pattie''s been asking about you. When will you take her out for some fun?"


    He absently twirled her damp hair, his voice aforting murmur, "Once this busy spell is over, I''ll take my girls out for a nice break."


    "Okay," Anastasia replied, lifting her heavy eyelids to gaze tenderly at the scar on his chest. Her fingers traced the fresh pink marks. "Herman, promise me, no more hurting yourself. If you ever risk your life again, I''m done."


    He smiled gently. "I promise," he said, kissing her forehead. "Now get some rest. I''ve got to head to New York tomorrow."


    "Is it about that factory incident? Someone''s really targeting Elysian Technologies?"


    He reassured her with his warm tone, "Business is a battlefield, and Elysian is prime real estate. Lots of folks want a piece. But trust me, I''ve got it under control."


    "How long will you be gone?" she asked, nestling against him.


    "Three days." Herman rolled over, pinning her yfully beneath him. "Let''s make up for those three days tonight."


    Anastasiaughed. "Don''t be reckless. Are you trying to kill yourself?"


    He raised an eyebrow mischievously. "If we don''t stay active now, when will we? In our old age?"


    As he spoke, he was already moving again. "Anastasia, I love you. I love everything about you..." His final words were whispered directly into her ear, making her blush with surprise. It was the first time she''d heard Herman speak so bluntly.


    That night, he was wilder than ever. Drenched in sweat and utterly exhausted, she felt him continue relentlessly. She couldn''t recall when he finished; she was too drained to even lift a finger and soon fell into a deep sleep. He had worn her outpletely.


    When Anastasia woke, feeling deeply rested yet disoriented as if night and day had flipped, it was already the next afternoon. Herman had left for New York, and on the bedside table was a note: "Eat on time. I''ll be back soon."


    She smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. Rising, she took a shower, washing away the physical reminders of their love. As the water cascaded down, Anastasia looked at her t belly. After herst pregnancy, which had been a miracle, the miscarriage had nearly cost her much more. She knew she might never bear Herman''s child again.


    The thought cast a shadow over her spirits. Torn inside, she knew she couldn''t let go of Herman, yet she also realized theirplicated rtionship might not be the best for him.


    After dressing, Anastasia left the apartment and hailed a cab. By chance, the cab passed by Gianna''s coffee shop. Through the window, Anastasia noticed the business seemed slow, with few customers inside. Gianna''s car was parked out front, indicating she was there. But as the cab drove on, Anastasia''s gaze caught a glimpse of a familiar figure near the corner of the coffee shop. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be him?