The Bound Between Us

Chapter 29

Herman watched as Anastasia disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the Night Market. The crowd was so thick he couldn’t see her at all.

Even though he hadn’t known Anastasia for long. Herman could feel her sincerity.

Nodding in agreement, Herman said, “Duncan, you’re spot on. A good wife can bring prosperity to a family”

Duncan chuckled. “Mate, cherish her. I think you guys are a match made in heaven. Oh, by the way, Anastasia didn’t mention you got married. Here’s a little something from me”

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Duncan pulled out a small gift box, inside was a present he had bought for just 20 bucks. Although it was only worth 20 bucks, it was a week’s worth of his meals and his kid’s medical bills.

The gift wasn’t heavy, but the sentiment was.

Herman tried to refuse. “Duncan, you’re too kind. Keep it. We appreciate your gesture, but you need that money for your kid’s treatment.”

“Come on, take it.” Duncan stood up, took a drag from his cigarette, and said, “Anastasia has helped us out before. I can’t afford much, but I insist you take this. Otherwise, it would sit wrong with me.” It was a man’s pride.

Herman held the wrapped gift, it felt unusually heavy for such a small box.

“Thanks.” Herman didn’t refuse any further. He accepted the gift, lit the cigarette Duncan had offered him, took a puff, and coughed a few times. The smoke was pungent and fiery.

Laughing, Duncan said, “Hey, you’re not a regular smoker, are you?”

“Not really,” Herman admitted “I guess, I made a fool of myself”

Duncan was a straightforward guy, and they started chatting about this and that.

Soon, Anastasia came back with two cups of latte and two cups of Peruvian frog juice.

Before Anastasia could even get close, Herman smelled something foul. “Anastasia, what did you buy?”

“Frog juice” Anastasia excitedly put the cups on the small table. “You’ve never tried it, right? It might look scary, but it’s really tasty. Give it a try! Also, I got a vanilla latte from the street cafe, I wasn’t sure which flavor you’d prefer.”

Herman never drank latte from street vendors, he always preferred freshly ground coffee and tea.

Herman sniffed the frog juice, his face twisted in discomfort. “Are you sure this is edible?” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Anastasia encouraged him, “Just give it a try. Trust me, it’s delicious. You’ll love it after one sip.”

Anastasia held the frog juice close to his face, almost spoon–feeding him. Herman held his breath, glanced at the stuff in the cup, and then back at

Anastasia.

Anastasia looked at him with expectation, so it was hard to say no.

Holding his breath, Herman took a tiny sip, his face contorted.

Anastasia laughed. “Isn’t it tasty?”

Herman swallowed hard, choking down the disgust, quickly took a sip of the vanilla latte, and said, “The latte’s pretty good.”

He really didn’t fancy the frog juice.

Anastasia didn’t push him. “You have your latte first, then I’ll get you another drink.”

Duncan chuckled on the side. “Mate, I’m not a fan of frog juice either.”

Herman didn’t like the frog juice, but he quickly fell in love with the street vanilla latte. He usually drank bitter coffee and tea without any sugar, but this sweet vanilla flavor was really good. By the time Anastasia came back, Herman had almost finished his drink.

Anastasia was busy all night, taking care of the business and Herman.

Herman felt like he was getting in the way. He offered to help multiple times, but Anastasia insisted he just relax. Just as Herman was thinking of helping Anastasia sell all the trinkets so they could pack up earlier and she wouldn’t have to work so hard, a familiar voice called from ahead.

“Herman, is that really you? What are you doing here… selling stuff on the street?”

Flynn was in disbelief. His new girlfriend had dragged him to the Night Market and, to his surprise, he saw Herman selling stuff on the side of the street.

A billionaire CEO selling stuff on the street?

That was just bizarre. Pursuing a girlfriend didn’t mean he had to go that far, right?