The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 299

When Dahlia heard about the three-year mourning period, her grip on the wheelchair's armrests tightened instinctively. This was something she hadn't seen coming. Even in death, that old witch could still mess with her plans for another

three years.

The commotion reached Evelyn too, and her expression turned noticeably colder. Brooks sensed the change immediately and squeezed her hand a little tighter. He leaned in, concern etched in his eyes, whispering softly, "Evelyn." He worried that the affectionate display between Charles and Dahlia might stir up old wounds for her.

Charlie's death was a wound in Evelyn's heart that never quite healed. Charles and Dahlia—the ones responsible for Charlie's demise were the people she despised the most. They had pushed her to the brink more times than she could count. It was hard for her to accept that they could still live happily after what they'd done.

But Evelyn managed a soft, "I'm fine," as she turned to Brooks with a faint smile. Her smile was slight, but her demeanor was steady. She wasn't rattled by the sight of them. Seeing her like this, Brooks felt both relieved and heartbroken.

ago when an unexpected call came in from an unknown number out of town. His heart raced as he answered it. Not many people had his private number, and nobody would

into the river. Common sense told him that in such harsh conditions, long past the best time for a rescue, Evelyn couldn't have

answered the phone, hearing Evelyn's familiar voice say "Brooks" brought tears to his eyes. She was alive. Overcome with joy, he immediately arranged a business trip, handed

holding her like she was

didn't you reach out?" he asked, unable to hold

she had been receiving treatment. He felt a pang of guilt for questioning

illness is cured," she reassured him with a smile. She really did seem brighter, and his hearDeased. Nothing

couch, he rolled up his sleeves and joined her in the kitchen. She was washing vegetables when he came in, quickly pulling down her sleeves.

scars lining her wrists-remnants past battles. Some were deep, others not as

of