The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles' dark, mysterious eyes lingered on Evelyn. Her earlobes were so red from blushing that they looked like they might actually bleed. His gaze grew even more intense. He let his eyes wander downwards. Her neck was exposed, a lovely shade of pink spreading across her skin.

Charles' breathing got heavier. He turned Evelyn's face toward him, grasped her chin with his large hand, and leaned in for a passionate kiss.

"Mmph!" Evelyn protested, trying to shake her head free from his kiss.

Charles was determined. No matter how hard Evelyn tried, she couldn't escape. The kiss went on until she was gasping for air, and only then did he release her lips slightly.

Fuming, Evelyn took advantage of her momentary freedom. She bit down hard on the fleshy part of his hand. Her eyes, bloodshot with anger, glared up at him.

Charles let her bite him, acting as if he couldn't feel the pain. He only seemed more resolute.

The car had left the Jenkins family's private drive and was now on the increasingly crowded roads typical of rush hour.

The windows were tinted, making it impossible for anyone outside to see in. However, pressed against the glass, Evelyn often found herself locking eyes with other drivers at stoplights. Even knowing they couldn't actually see her, Evelyn was so tense that her toes curled in her shoes.

Charles gently kissed her sweat-dampened temple, his warm breath brushing her cheek. His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes were cold and sharp, feeling her pulse race beneath her skin.

Charles pressed on, "Still going on those blind dates? Huh?"

Evelyn didn't want to give in.

But Charles... He was a madman. She was genuinely scared he might lose it right there in the car.

Through gritted teeth, she

her ear and captured

ended, he pressed

to argue. As he released her hands, she leaned back against the car

to have finally quieted

version of

Charles was in high spirits. He

her eyes closed the whole time. Finally, as she had requested earlier, the car came to a stop at an intersection near her

back seat, Evelyn slowly

held her back, sat up straight, and let her go. Before she stepped out, he warned her in a low voice, "Remember what I said." He barely

"Slap!"

of a slap echoed

having stewed over it in the car, slapped

so unexpected that it caught Charles completely off guard. It

face darkened with anger, his teeth gritting.

her escape, Before his rage could erupt she swung her bag at his reaching hand. Using the opportunity, she jumped out of the car and left without looking back, leaving Charles'

Charles, Evelyn felt a weight lift

as she walked in, she saw colleagues gathered around Dahlia's desk, offering

Only Grace noticed Evelyn's

She came

concern, "Evelyn,