The Day Our Promise Breaks

Dahlia shot Evelyn a glance, fully aware Evelyn couldn't hold her liquor well.

"Hey everyone, don't worry about the bill today. This round's on me."

"

Then, she let Charles' hand slip from her grasp and made her way back to her seat, grabbing a bottle to pour herself a full glass. Evelyn remained still, not moving an inch.

Dahlia's gaze landed on Evelyn, and soon enough, so did their colleagues'. Feeling the pressure, Evelyn reluctantly picked up her glass and took a small, half-hearted sip. She wasn't much for drinking and the glass she had earlier had already gone to her head. Dahlia downed her drink in one swift motion. As she set the glass down, she stumbled slightly and ended up in Charles' arms, unsteady on her feet.

She leaned into him, massaging her temple with a hand, and looked up at him with misty eyes. Her voice was soft and inviting. "Charles, I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Let's head home."

The words "let's head home" made it clear just how close they had become.

"Sure," Charles replied.

He wrapped a supportive arm around her waist, guiding her out of the room. As he turned, his gaze lingered on Evelyn once more.

She kept her head down, never meeting his eyes.

grew

...

were curious about such a big shot, being in the

food,

a brimming glass, and raised it to the group. "I'm thrilled to be part

Grace, she only filled her glass halfway with the little

feeling even more tipsy but keeping it under

winding down, and soon, it was time to leave. Since they'd planned to

hailed and shared cabs. Those heading in the same direction left together in one

sounding a bit out of it, as she opened

Evelyn with three male colleagues

rolled down the window. "Take care of Evelyn for me and make sure she gets home

replied as the three men exchanged

you, but my friend's just around the corner and will pick me up," Evelyn said, which led them

car and drove off.

off. They