The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 259

Brooks's words hit Evelyn like a tidal wave, breaking down the dam of her emotions. She choked out, tears streaming down her face, "I'm so sorry, Charlie. I don't deserve to be your mom!"

"If you don't deserve to be, then why would Charlie choose to be your daughter again in another life? Because to her, you're the best mom," Brooks reassured her, sitting by the bed with a gentle yet firm voice.

"No... I'm not... I'm useless. I couldn't even get justice for her. How can I call myself her mom?" Evelyn murmured, closing her eyes in pain.

When the word 'revenge' came up, Brooks was taken aback. Had Charlie really been killed by someone? He didn't want to focus on who could do such a thing; he just wanted to help Evelyn find her strength again.

"Evelyn, if you just give up and let Charlie's killer walk free, that's truly letting her down," Brooks continued. "You're Charlie's mom. You can't let fear or despair take you down. You need to stay strong, live on, and seek justice for Charlie."

"Charlie needs you, her mom, to fight for her. No matter how tough it gets, you have to keep going," he urged. "Even if you feel like giving up, at least wait until you've avenged her. Otherwise, how will you face her?"

Each word Brooks spoke seemed to pierce Evelyn's soul. He was right; she hadn't avenged Charlie yet. How could she ever face her daughter? But how could she even begin to get revenge? She felt utterly lost and desperate.

Evelyn bit down on her lip, tears silently pouring down. Brooks pulled her into his arms, gently patting her back. She leaned against his shoulder, letting the tears flow until she slowly calmed down.

"Thank you, Brooks," she said softly, pulling away from his shoulder. Brooks took out a handkerchief and tenderly wiped her tears away. Evelyn instinctively wanted to stop him, but the kindness in his eyes held her back. She was dazed, unsure of what to make of this gentle care.

family's fifth daughter anymore, and she thought she no longer had a role

to tell you," Brooks began, knowing it wasn't the perfect moment, but after nearly losing her, he didn't want to hold back any longer. His gaze softened, and he revealed the feelings he'd kept hidden

car, when I said I needed someone to help with family pressures, I lied. The only reason I agreed to the blind date was because it was you.

didn't say 'love,' fearing that might be too heavy

and again. She thought maybe he was just interested in her. But then he mentioned someone he had liked for a long time, and she dismissed the idea. With Charlie gone, love was the last thing on her mind. She never expected Brooks

Evelyn started, instinctively wanting

place for this, not with everything about Charlie still unresolved. I just wanted you to

drag Brooks into her mess. To her, he was just a kind man who had helped her, and she was grateful. She didn't want to burden

don't need to feel guilty," Brooks assured her, softly touching her head.

giving her a chance to argue. "Get some sleep. I'll

the warmth of Brooks's

slowly closed. She felt

pulled away,

be! his lullaby filled the room, she drifted into sleep. The tune was familiar, yet she couldn't recall

...

the Jenkins Estate, Charles had been awake for a full day and night. He returned to his room, took a shower, and as he emerged, his phone