The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn rushed out of the car in a hurry, with Brooks following close behind. He took an umbrella from his assistant and opened it for her, creating a small oasis of clear sky just for her. Seconds ticked by relentlessly.

The appointed time had come and gone, yet the man they were waiting for was nowhere to be seen.

Growing increasingly anxious, Evelyn couldn't wait any longer and pulled out her phone to call John. Just as the call connected, a ringtone sounded from the alley behind them.

Initially, Evelyn didn't pay it much mind. But when her third call attempt was automatically cut off, coinciding with the cessation of the ringtone from the alley, she sensed something was amiss.

She exchanged a look with Brooks, who had also sensed the anomaly, and they both headed into the alley.

Just a few steps in, they spotted a man lying motionless in a pool of blood not far away. Blood was flowing from his body, staining the ground beneath their feet.

At first sight, Evelyn was shocked and instinctively stepped back, but Brooks was right there to steady her with his hand.

Swallowing hard, Evelyn, with trembling hands, tried calling John's phone again. The ringtone emanated from the man lying on the ground.

Evelyn's face turned ashen. She stumbled forward, falling to her knees beside the man. Her hands shook as she tried to lift him from the ground. Her voice was breaking as she cried, "You can't die! Get up! You haven't told me who it is!" Brooks couldn't catch her in time and quickly moved to her side. Holding the umbrella with one hand, he knelt beside Evelyn and helped lift the man off the ground, not minding the mud staining his expensive clothes.

Brooks used one hand to prop up John, who weighed over 200 pounds. He instructed his assistant, who had just called 911. "Press on his wound."

"Right away."

on the man's wound, which

lot of blood, his complexion was as pale as paper. He was barely breathing in more

"I have the money. I'll transfer it to you

trembled as she

something. But just as he opened his mouth,

...

ambulance arrived. John was rushed to the hospital for emergency

the hospital. Standing outside the emergency room, she stared at the

uncontrollably.

praying silently, hoping

side. The police

injured him was

had flared up again. The

QUMS

briefing them, the police left, and Brooks

clothes. Be careful not

Eve that his ass."