Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229

“Thank God… you came back,” the man exclaimed, relief and joy lighting up his face the moment Cassie stepped into the small

stall.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he added quickly, already fumbling with the worn bag he kept close to his side.

“I tried to return the extra money you gave me, but the men who picked up the fruits refused to take it.” +

His hands moved urgently as he pulled out a thick bundle of cash.

“I guarded this all night,” he said, almost sheepishly, though there was pride in his voice. He looked down at it, then back at her.

“My daughter and son kept reminding me to return this to you when you came back. It’s too much–far too much.”

He extended the money toward her. But Cassie didn’t move. Her gaze lingered on the bundle for a brief second before lifting to

him.

“It’s for you,” she said gently.

“For your family. Use what’s left… for your son’s schooling.”

The man blinked, taken aback, then shook his head firmly.

“No… no, I can’t accept this,” he insisted, pushing the money closer to her.

“I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness. Buying all the fruits was already more than enough.” His voice softened, filled with gratitude.

“It’s enough to help me settle what I owe Mr. Romero.”

He paused, then added quietly, “This… this is beyond what I deserve.”

Still, he held the money out to her, unwavering in his intent to return it.

Cassie watched the lines on his weathered face, each crease telling a story of years spent enduring more than most. Her throat tightened again, emotions rising too fast, too sharp–stinging her eyes, pressing heavily against her chest.

The money he was trying to return… it wasn’t even enough for a full–course meal in a decent restaurant in the city. Yet in his, hands, it was something immense–something he treated with care, with honesty, with almost reverence.

“Please keep it, sir,” she said gently, her voice steady despite the ache beneath it.

“If I were to buy these fruits in the city, it would cost just as much as what I gave you.” A small smile touched her lips.

“Think of it as the retail price there.”

He blinked, clearly taken aback.

“Fruits in the city cost… this much?” he asked, staring down at the money in his hand as if seeing it differently now.

Cassie nodded, a faint, almost incredulous smile forming.

“Even more.”

For a moment, he simply gaped at her, disbelief plain on his face. Then his gaze drifted away, his expression slowly shifting into quiet realization.

“So they were right…” he murmured.

“Those who stayed in the city… they always said it was expensive there.” His eyes wandered around the small, familiar space — the stall, the road, the land he had known his whole life.

Chapter 229

+15 Bonus

“We’re still lucky to be here in the countryside.”

Cassie followed his gaze briefly before looking back at him.

“Exactly,” she said, her tone lightening just a little.

“That’s why I’m used to paying that much. I don’t even think about it anymore. If anything…” she added with a hint of playful pride.

“I’m getting fresher produce here than anything I’d find in a city supermarket.”

The man chuckled softly, clearly reassured–at least enough to ease his hesitation.

“Well… if that’s the case,” he said, nodding to himself, “I should at least give you a discount for coming all the way here.”

He began counting the money, dividing it into two, and held out half toward her.

But before Cassie could think of another way to refuse—A figure came rushing toward them, breathless, panic written in every hurried step.

“We brought Mama to the infirmary!” the young man called out before he even reached the stall.

The older man froze. Then, in an instant, everything else was forgotten–the money, the conversation, even Cassie.

“What happened?” he demanded, rushing out, fear raw in both his voice and his eyes.

“Mama fainted while we were weeding,” the young man explained quickly, struggling to catch his breath.

“She hasn’t woken up since. The doctor said the infirmary doesn’t have the proper facilities…” His voice faltered, dread settling

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