The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles immediately lifted his head, searching for Evelyn.

He saw her turned away, speaking with the doctor, and his eyes instantly

reddened.

It really was Eve.

He drank in the sight of her greedily, but when she turned around, he instinctively

shut his eyes again.

He couldn't let Evelyn realize he was awake.

He was terrified she'd leave him the moment she found out.

The doctor gave a few last instructions, which Aiden listened to intently.

Once the doctor left, Evelyn clearly had no intention of staying.

She looked at Aiden and said, "Aiden, I have something I need to take care of. I'll be heading out."

As she spoke, Evelyn walked to the bedside table to grab her purse.

Before she could reach it, a hand closed around hers.

Evelyn looked down at her hand, trapped in his.

She tried to pull free, but his grip only tightened.

Her gaze lingered for a few seconds before she looked back at Charles.

His eyes were still closed, feigning sleep, but the way he held her was anything but unconscious.

"Ms. Evelyn, Mr. Jenkins clearly doesn't want you to leave-even while asleep. Could you stay with him a bit longer? At least until he wakes up?" Aiden asked tentatively.

Evelyn didn't answer. She just stared at Charles, her voice calm and cool. "Charles, let go. I know you're awake."

The way he held her now was nothing like the desperate, unconscious embrace from the night before.

This was instinct-he didn't want her to leave.

But the coldness in her voice made Charles's heart clench. Though he didn't release her, his eyes slowly opened.

Their eyes met-his, red and raw from emotion.

Evelyn didn't force her hand away. She kept her voice detached. "Charles, don't get any ideas. The only reason I came last night was because you got hurt saving me and my mom."

"And for that, I'm grateful. But it doesn't change anything."

She didn't mention the past or her feelings toward him directly, but her meaning was clear.

Saving her and her mother couldn't erase the resentment she held.

What happened with Charlie was a wound that would never heal.

She would never forget the image of Charlie lying in a pool of blood, waiting for Charles-help that never came.

She could never forget how Charlie's kidney was taken, how she'd called Charles over and over, only to be met with silence and crushing despair.

And she could never forget Charlie's final, heartbreaking words before he died.

Her Charlie left this world full of regret.

The pain of the past was carved deep, impossible to forgive.

Charles understood.

A deep bitterness flooded his heart.

No

to stay he loosened his grip, though y slow, desperate to ho

how much he wanted her

onto her for just a moment longer.

Evelyn, however, pulled her hand away the instant she felt his hold relax-quick,

decisive, without a shred of hesitation.

Then she turned and walked out.

She nearly bumped into Aiden at the door. He looked like he wanted to say

something, but at the sight of her, he swallowed his words.

Charles's gaze followed Evelyn until she disappeared from view, only then did he shut his eyes in misery.

Evelyn hadn't slept all night.

She had no intention of driving home.

Outside the hospital, she was just about to call for a cab when a sleek black

Mercedes pulled up beside her.

The back door opened, and Brooks stepped out.

Evelyn froze for a moment at the sight of him.

"Brooks..."

She started to explain, but he cut her off gently.

"I understand."

Those two words said everything.

A warmth flickered in Evelyn's eyes. She reached out and took Brooks's hand.

"Come on, let me take you home so you can rest."

Brooks squeezed her hand, shielding her as she got into the car.

"You didn't sleep at all last night, did you?"

his eboks said, concern etched in s as he took in the darkes

circles beneath hers.

"Try to get some sleep, okay?"

"Okay."

Evelyn was exhausted.

She didn't resist as Brooks pulled her into his arms. She lay down, resting her

head on his lap, and closed her eyes.

The car drove smoothly on.

In minutes, Evelyn's breathing evened out as she drifted off.

Brooks gently draped his jacket over her.noveldrama

Lowering his gaze, he watched her

peaceful, defenseless face,

tenderness softening his eyes.

Unable to resist, he leaned down and

pressed a gentle kiss to her

forehead.