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”

ཡོ ༈ ཋ ཋརྗ ཥཾ རོ

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.

didn’t refuse any further. He accepted the gift, lit the cigarette Duncan had offered him, took a

said, “Hey, you’re not a regular smoker, are

guess, I made

was a straightforward guy, and they started chatting about this

with two cups of latte and two cups of

Anastasia could even get close, Herman smelled something foul. “Anastasia,

excitedly put the cups on the small table. “You’ve never tried it, right? It might look scary, but it’s really tasty.

from street vendors, he always preferred freshly ground

juice, his face twisted in discomfort. “Are you sure

a try. Trust me, it’s

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

Anastasia.

looked at him with expectation, so it was hard to

his breath, Herman took a tiny sip, his face

laughed. “Isn’t it

hard, choking down the disgust, quickly took a sip of the

fancy the frog

push him. “You have your latte first, then I’ll get you another