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 was

were half-closed. He had lost a lot of blood, his complexion was as pale as paper. He

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

she input

But just as he opened his mouth, a gush of fresh blood

...

the ambulance arrived. John was

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

uncontrollably.

hoping John

side. The police had

injured him was

deep-seated grudge over gambling. This time, their grievances had flared up again. The

QUMS

them, the police left, and Brooks returned to Evelyn's

change your clothes. Be careful not

Eve that his ass."