Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 230

“They think… Mama had a stroke, Papa”

The words hung heavy in the air, and the color drained from the old man’s face.

“Look after the stall. I’ll go to the infirmary,” the old man said urgently, already turning away as panic drove his steps.

“I need to go to Mr. Romero first, Papa,” the younger man called after him, his voice tight with urgency.

“We’ll need money–we have to bring Mama to the hospital in the nearest city.”

The old man stopped mid–step.

Slowly, he turned back, the weight of the decision written all over his face–fear, hesitation, and helplessness colliding all at

once.

“Tell him…” he began, his voice heavy, almost reluctant.

“Tell him we’ll pawn our last piece of land. Even the coming harvest…” A quiet, defeated breath left him.

“No–don’t!”

Cassie’s voice cut through sharply, startling both men.

They turned to her at the same time, confusion and surprise flickering across their faces.

“I can help you,” she said quickly, stepping forward. Her gaze moved between them before settling firmly on the old man.

“Please… don’t pawn your land.”

The younger man frowned slightly, suspicion edging into his expression.

“And in exchange for what?” he asked, cautious, protective.

“Nothing,” Cassie replied without hesitation.

“You can pay me back when you’re able.”

Silence fell.

The younger man’s jaw tightened, his pride clearly wrestling with desperation.

“Then… we’ll give you the land title as collateral,” he insisted, unwilling to accept help without something in return.

Cassie studied him for a brief moment—and understood. This wasn’t just about money. It was about dignity.

“Alright,” she said gently, offering a small, reassuring smile.

“That’s fair.” Then her expression shifted, urgency returning.

“But right now,” she added, glancing toward the road, “we don’t have time to stand here.”

Her voice softened, but her words carried weight.

“We need to get your mother to the city. Now.”

As if pulled by the same urgency, they moved all at once.

The two men broke into hurried strides, and Cassie followed closely behind almost running just to keep up. The uneven path made it harder, but she didn’t slow down. She couldn’t.

What she didn’t notice were the men stepping out of the vehicles in the distance, their eyes trained on her as they quietly

17/2

Chapter 228

+15 Bonus

followed, keeping just enough space not to be seen.

By the time they reached the infirmary, Cassie’s breath was unsteady–but it was what she saw that truly knocked the air out of her lungs.

She nearly staggered back. This… was the infirmary?

It was nothing more than a dilapidated hut–weathered wood, a sagging roof, and walls that looked like they could give way at any moment. Inside, there were only two narrow wooden beds and a small cabinet so worn it barely held itself together. One of its doors had already fallen off, the hinges rusted and useless.

Her gaze swept the room, disbelief tightening her chest.

A few boxes of medicine sat on a shelf–but they were sparse, basic. Pain relievers. Fever reducers. Nothing more. Nothing that could save a life.

A quiet, unsettling realization crept in. With how far this place was from the city… how had they survived all this time?

Cassie stood frozen for a moment, her thoughts spiraling.

All her life, she had believed she knew hardship. She thought she understood struggle.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify