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.

your latest design for one million dollars. Would that be acceptable?" "One million?" Evelyn's mouth dropped open

too low? No worries,

Evelyn hastily interrupted him. "It's more than enough, Mr. Brooks. What I mean is...

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

clear he looked down upon Dahlia's work. He was belittling Dahlia, feeling indignant on Evelyn's behalf. Evelyn picked up on it. Brooks slid a check across the table

a second before picking up the check, offering Brooks a genuinely grateful smile. "Mr. Brooks, thank you

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

tears. Charlie could finally

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

...

regaining her composure,

she was 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

changed instantly. She was both embarrassed

dragged in, she closed her eyes. She didn't see the yellow sign at the

"Click-"

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

carried a chilling coldness. His actions

We're over! I have no ties with you now.

was very nervous. She lowered her voice, staring at Charles

that? I haven't said yes, and

icy. He looked like he could devour

their breakup wasn't out of love. To him, she was only an object of

felt he should be the one to make decisions. He could leave her, but

mercilessly replied,

Charles

at Charles,