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 acceptable?" "One

is too low? No worries, we can

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

upon Dahlia's work. He was belittling Dahlia, feeling indignant on Evelyn's behalf. Evelyn picked up on it. Brooks

check, offering Brooks a genuinely grateful smile. "Mr.

up before taking one more glance at the

welled up with tears. Charlie could

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

...

regaining her composure,

washing her hands at the communal sink, a strong hand suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her into the adjacent men's restroom. "Charles, have you lost your

instantly. She was

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

"Click-"

pressed Evelyn against the door.

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

no ties with you now.

her voice, staring at Charles with cold

yes, and you are finding someone else. Evelyn,

gaze was icy. He looked like he could devour

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

the one to make decisions. He could leave her, but not

her heart and mercilessly

sentence, Charles seized her jaw

Charles, and clenched