The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 158

"Damn it, bitch! Are you asking for trouble?"

The man's eyes blazed with rage as he lunged at Evelyn. She lay sprawled on the ground, watching him charge, feeling too weak to fight back. Her only defense was to curl up tightly, clutching Charlie's locket to her chest like a lifeline. "Hand it over!"

The man was used to hard labor, and had a grip like a vise. His hand clamped down on Evelyn's arm, trying to pry it open. But he wasn't ready for Evelyn's fierce determination. Despite his bulging veins and all the strength he could muster, he couldn't make her let go. Furious, he snarled, "Damn it! I'm gonna show you!"

He stood up, swearing under his breath. When he couldn't pry her hands apart, he resorted to kicking. His foot came crashing down on Evelyn. He was used to coming home drunk and hitting his wife, so he had no qualms about being rough. Fueled by anger, his kicks were even more brutal.

Each blow sent waves of pain through Evelyn, forcing her to curl up tighter. As her consciousness started to slip away, she held onto the locket for dear life, not letting go even in her delirium.

often wonder if only she'd caught Charlie's lies sooner, if she'd checked on her at the amusement park earlier, maybe her condition wouldn't have worsened. Maybe she wouldn't have... died. Evelyn loathed Dahlia, resented Charles, and never forgave herself. The guilt of

don't worry. Mommy will keep you safe

let the locket be taken and discarded in

the man was relentless, and the pain was overwhelming. Evelyn fought with everything she had, but as her strength ebbed away under his assault, her body went limp, and

She lay there, powerless, still gripping the necklace. He thought she'd be an easy mark, but... "What a real pain,"

didn't care if he hurt her as he pried her fingers open, one by one. "No..." Even as darkness threatened to overcome her, Evelyn tried to fight back, but it was hopeless. The man yanked the necklace free.

the man turned to leave, she reached out with the

no strength left and was forced to watch helplessly as Charlie's

weighed the necklace