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.

I would like to purchase your latest design for one million dollars. Would that be acceptable?" "One million?" Evelyn's mouth dropped open in

you think the price is too low? No worries, we can negotiate

than enough, Mr. Brooks. What

winner's work this time is worth it.

Dahlia, feeling indignant on Evelyn's behalf. Evelyn picked up on it. Brooks slid a check across the table

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

placed the check in her bag, zipping it up before taking one more glance at the

welled up with tears. Charlie

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

...

regaining her composure,

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 mind? Let go

She was

closed her eyes. She didn't see the

"Click-"

Charles forcefully pressed Evelyn against the door. "Who allowed you to have

breath was hot, and his deep, magnetic voice carried a chilling coldness. His actions were domineering, barely concealing his

I have no ties with you now. What right do you have to care who I dine

was very nervous. She lowered her voice,

and you are finding

was icy. He looked

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

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

her heart and mercilessly replied, "Yes. I

she could finish her sentence, Charles seized her jaw

at Charles, and clenched