The Day Our Promise Breaks

At a restaurant, Brooks, ever the gentleman, gracefully pulled out a chair for Evelyn.

"Thank you." Evelyn expressed her gratitude as she took a seat.

Brooks was said to be the epitome of cultivation and chivalry, and indeed, his reputation was well-earned.

Brooks sat down.

After ordering their meals, neither of them spoke. Evelyn waited for Brooks to start a conversation about her work, but Brooks just kept gazing at her.

His gaze was gentle, not at all off-putting. Yet being stared at like this made Evelyn somewhat uncomfortable. She furrowed her brows slightly and met his gaze.

Her expression turned a bit cold. She wondered if he was playing with her. Could it be that his good reputation was undeserved, and he was actually a playboy? "Do you really not remember me?"

Just as Evelyn was secretly harboring doubts, Brooks spoke in a deep, unhurried, magnetic voice.

"Sorry?" Evelyn was puzzled and stared at Brooks.

What did he mean? Did they know each other?

"When do you plan to return my pen?" he asked again.

"What?" Evelyn was bewildered and completely at a loss.

Brooks' eyes dimmed slightly at her genuinely confused expression. Back then, Evelyn had eyes only for Charles.

"Never mind, I must have mistaken you for someone else." Brooks tactfully changed the subject.

Evelyn sat up straight, feeling a bit awkward.

Brooks quickly got to the point. "Ms. Evelyn, I would like to purchase your latest design for one million dollars. Would that be

the price is too low?

no!" Evelyn hastily interrupted him. "It's more than enough, Mr. Brooks. What I mean

winner's work this time is worth it. Why wouldn't it

He was belittling Dahlia, feeling indignant on Evelyn's behalf.

picking up the check, offering Brooks a genuinely grateful smile.

before

welled up with tears. Charlie could finally rest in

better of her, Evelyn stood up, bid Brooks farewell, and headed to the

...

regaining her composure, Evelyn exited the

her waist,

She was both embarrassed

dragged in, she closed her eyes. She didn't see

"Click-"

pressed Evelyn against the door. "Who allowed you

voice carried a chilling coldness. His actions were domineering, barely concealing

let's get this straight. We're over! I have no ties with you now. What right do you have

She lowered her voice,

haven't said yes, and you are finding someone

He looked like he could

his refusal to accept their breakup wasn't out of love. To him, she was

he felt he should be the one to make decisions. He could leave her, but not the other

mercilessly replied, "Yes. I truly

could finish her sentence, Charles seized her jaw

Charles, and