Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 24

“Drie…” Cassie murmured, the weight of everything crashing down at once. She buried her face in her palms, torn and frustrated, her shoulders trembling despite her effort to stay composed.

“I can manage the company,” Drie continued steadily. “You’re just one call away if anything goes wrong. I promise I will call you.”

He softened further, reaching out to rest a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Give yourself a break. And give Kai some freedom-even if it’s only for a little while.”

“The setup won’t be any different from what we have now,” he added gently. “You barely step into the company anyway. The only difference is that instead of being trapped here in the penthouse, you’ll be miles away-somewhere you can finally breathe.”

“You’re right,” Cassie said quietly.

“And Kai’s third birthday is coming up soon. To celebrate, we’ll go somewhere he’ll truly enjoy.” For the first time since the turmoil began, a genuine smile curved her lips.

“Somewhere with Disneyland,” she added, her voice brightening with a sudden, hopeful lilt as she tenderly combed her fingers through Kai’s hair.

Drie chuckled softly and reached out, affectionately poking the boy’s nose with his index finger. “He’ll be ecstatic,” he agreed.

And so, the very next day, Cassie, Kai, and Zabrina boarded a flight to China-somewhere far away, somewhere unfamiliar, somewhere Kai could finally be free.

“Mama… Kai happy,” Kai declared, cupping her face with his small hands before peppering her cheeks with sloppy, clumsy kisses.

“Everything for my little prince,” Cassie whispered, tears welling in her eyes-not from pain this time, but from the overwhelming joy of seeing her son glow with unfiltered happiness.

“Go again tomowow, Mama… pleeeath?” Kai pleaded, blinking up at her with wide, hopeful eyes.

They had spent the entire day exploring the massive park-every ride, every attraction. Aside from a brief nap, Kai had been unstoppable, bursting with energy, laughter spilling freely from him. And now, he wanted more.

“Yes, my love,” Cassie nodded with a bright smile. “We’ll come back again tomorrow.”

“Yey!” Kai clapped his hands in glee. “I yab you, Mama!”

Another round of wet, enthusiastic kisses followed-ones Cassie happily endured.

“Your Mama’s face is going to be erased at this rate,” Zabrina laughed as she watched them.

Chapter 24

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“Iyab my Mama,” Kai declared proudly, flashing a toothy grin.

“Of course,” Cassie mused softly. “You only love Mama.”

“And Dada… and Mammo!” Kai turned toward Zabrina and threw his arms around her.

“I love you too, my pumpkin,” Zabrina replied warmly, hugging him tight and showering him with kisses.

He had enjoyed the trip more than she ever imagined-and Cassie had never been happier.

“I’m just going to the restroom,” Cassie said at the airport lounge, gently poking Kai’s nose.

“Behave with Mammo, alright?”

“Behave, Kai – pwomith, Mama,” he said solemnly, raising his right hand like a proper gentleman.

Chapter 4

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“Cutie,” Cassie laughed, kissing his nose before heading toward the restroom in the first-class lounge. Tonight, they were going home.

She kept her promise and returned quickly to the main lounge. But before she could come any closer, her steps came to an abrupt halt.

Kai and Zabrina were talking to someone.

Cassie’s hand flew to her chest as dread and panic surged through her upon recognizing the

familiar figure.