Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 152

Exhausted from their late–night rendezvous, Ashton firmly insisted that Cassie stay home and rest for the day. He wouldn’t hear any arguments. To make sure she truly had the time to recuperate, they agreed to indulge Madame Carina’s eager request to bring Kai to the Pierce mansion for the day.

Kai had happily agreed, thrilled at the idea of spending time with his grandmother and exploring the grand estate.

“Mama is so tired making me a sister or a brother, Grandma! So we let her rest” Kai blurted out the moment he hopped out of the vehicle.

The declaration echoed a little too clearly across the driveway.

Madame Carina paused and gaped before a slow, amused smile spread across her elegant face.

“This boy…”

Around them, several mansion staff members suddenly found the marble flooring extremely fascinating, their heads bowed as they politely pretended they had heard absolutely nothing.

Ashton merely shook his head, a hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose–though the corner of his mouth betrayed him.

Unfazed by his son’s astonishing bluntness, he crouched down to Kai’s level and gently patted his head.

“I’ll fetch you once Papa is done with work,” he said warmly. “You can call me anytime if you need anything, buddy.”

“Yes, Papa,” Kai replied obediently, already distracted by the grandeur of the mansion behind his grandmother.

Madame Carina chuckled softly as she took her grandson’s hand, clearly entertained by the morning’s unexpected

announcement.

After ensuring Kai was settled, Ashton rose and made his way back to the car. He headed straight to the company.

Cassie, meanwhile, slept through the entire morning–unaware of the bold proclamation her son had just made on her behalf.

If not for the persistent growl of her stomach, she might not have left Ashton’s bed at all. The sheets still carried his scent, faint but comforting, and for the first time in years, she felt utterly at peace.

There were no pressing obligations. No early alarms. No need to rise at the slightest sound in case Kai needed something.

For years, her sleep had always been light–one ear open, her body instinctively alert. But today was different. Today, she allowed herself to rest without guilt.

Because for the first time, she felt she didn’t have to carry everything alone.

She had Ashton.

The thought made her lips curve into a small, sleepy smile.

With a reluctant groan, she finally dragged herself out of bed. Her limbs protested every movement, deliciously sore from the previous night, reminding her exactly why Ashton had insisted she rest.

Step by slow step, she made her way to the bathroom.

The moment the warm water cascaded over her body, she sighed in relief. The heat seeped into her aching muscles, melting the stiffness from her shoulders and hips. It felt almost miraculous–like the water was washing away not just fatigue, but years of tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

She tilted her head back, letting the stream run over her face. For once, there was no rush. No weight on her chest.

Just the quiet certainty that she was finally exactly where she was meant to be.

hade it to the

dining area when she paused.

A long table had been meticulously arranged–steam rising from freshly prepared dishes, the aroma rich and inviting. Every plate looked thoughtfully chosen, from warm soups to hearty mains and light sides, as someone had anticipated exactly what she would crave after a long rest

Several staff members stood nearby.

“Madame Cassidy, good afternoon. Your meal is ready,” they greeted in unison, offering polite bows and warm smiles.

Cassie blinked, slightly taken aback.

“Thank you,” she replied, her stomach growling in perfect timing. She gave a small, embarrassed laugħ.

“I’m famished.”

She took her seat and began helping herself, savoring the first bite almost immediately. The food was delicious–comforting, carefully prepared.

But more than the taste, it was the thought behind it that warmed her.

It was Ashton making sure she was looked after–even when he wasn’t physically there.

As she continued eating, a soft smile curved on her lips. For so long, she had been the one taking care of everything and everyone. Today, she allowed herself to be cared for.

And the feeling was unexpectedly comforting.

But after the scrumptious meal, restlessness slowly crept in.

She had already slept more than half the day. Going back to bed felt excessive–even indulgent. And with the penthouse wrapped in quiet stillness, boredom soon followed.

Deciding she might as well make the most of the afternoon, Cassie chose to visit the Pierce mansion to check on Kai—and

perhaps keep Madame Carina company for a while.

On the way, she stopped by the mall.

Her spirits were high as she browsed through stores, picking out a few things for Kai–a new toy he had once pointed at excitedly–and a tasteful silk scarf she thought would suit Madame Carina’s elegance. She even allowed herself a little shopping of her own.

By the time she was heading toward the parking area, shopping bags in hand, she felt light. Peaceful.

That peace shattered in an instant.

Two familiar figures stepped directly into her path. Before she could react-

Smack.

The sharp sound rang through the corridor, echoing louder than it should have.

Pain exploded across her cheek as her head snapped sideways from the force.

“Are you happy now, Cassidy?!” Red Knowles‘ furious voice boomed through the mall hallway, instantly drawing the attention of passersby.

Cassie stood frozen for a heartbeat, one hand slowly rising to cradle her burning cheek. The sting throbbed violently beneath her palm.

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