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.

cars were needed to transport everything. After Evelyn had burned the offerings she prepared for Lila, they all sat down and spent a long time reminiscing

he had prepared for Lila and burning them one by one. He talked to her. The entire afternoon was

clutching a video he had watched countless times. It was the only connection he had left to Lila. Over the past two years, Charles lost track of how many times he had watched it. Each viewing deepened his regret.

the embodiment of his and Debbie's love. She should have grown up showered with affection, the happiest little princess. But from the time Lila was in Eve's womb, she never received even a glance from

on the tombstone. There was no answer. Charles Sat there, alone, in the cold winter night, keeping Lila company. His heart was torn apart once more. Until the video ended, tears streamed down his face. The love Lila had shown him in life now only added to his pain. Those memories were like boomerangs, striking deep into his heart. His soul was

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 no interruptions. He hadn't expected to become so lost in his

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 little face on the tombstone, said his goodbyes, and drove

Charles parked outside the gate. He got out, careful not to alert the housekeeper, and didn't knock on the door. From the trunk, he retrieved