The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 500

His mind was a whirlwind of his mother's words; his father had headed to the cemetery early that morning to be with Lila. He spent the whole day there. As the evening shadows lengthened, Charles still hadn't shown up. Sandy clenched her fists tightly. She was furious with Lila. Even in death, Lila was stealing her father away, making him spend Sandy's birthday at that cold, lifeless cemetery instead of with her.

"Lila!" she thought bitterly. Her mother had been right. Lila was nothing but trouble! Just like her mother, always stirring things up, trying to take Dad away! Sandy couldn't tell how long she waited, but eventually, she ran back to her room, tears streaming down her face.

At the Cemetery

It was Lila's memorial day. Josephine, Evelyn, Adam, and Brooks had all arrived bright and early. By the time they got there, Charles was already present. Although none of them wanted to see Charles, they chose not to cause a scene in front of Lila on this day.

for Lila, they all sat down and spent a long time reminiscing with her. Due to Josephine's health issues, they only stayed at the cemetery for the morning before leaving. Charles stayed

burning them one by one. He talked to her. The entire afternoon was spent tending to Lila's memory. Once he was done, Charles meticulously cleaned Lila's tombstone until it was spotless. Lila had

to Lila. Over the past two years, Charles lost track of how many times he had watched it. Each viewing deepened his regret. Upon realizing Eve was actually Debbie, he wished he could travel back seven years to knock some sense

the time Lila was in Eve's womb, she never received even a

cold winter night, keeping Lila company. His heart was torn apart once more. Until the video ended, tears streamed down his face. The love

bell chimed the hour. It was then Charles remembered he had forgotten Sandy's birthday. He had promised to spend it with her. Charles pulled out his phone from his pocket, realizing it was already past midnight. He had set it to silent when he arrived at the cemetery to be with Lila, wanting

missed calls from Sandy, along with messages timidly asking if he was too busy to spend her birthday with her. He had promised Sandy but ended up letting her down, leaving her waiting all day. Charles felt a pang of guilt. He kissed Lila's

Even though it was past midnight, Charles still wanted to deliver Sandy's birthday gift so she could see it first thing in the morning. Upon arriving at Maplewood, Charles parked outside the gate. He got out, careful not to alert the