The Day Our Promise Breaks

Could it really have nothing to do with Lucy?

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he might've bought into what Emily was selling. But just moments ago, he witnessed Lucy's face twisted with malice as she cursed David. He heard, as clear as a bell, the nasty words she spat out. Each one sent a shiver down his spine. No regular adult could spew such venom, and Lucy was just seven.

What rattled him even more was how she turned to face him, instantly morphing back into the sweet, innocent Lucy. Switching between angel and devil as if it were nothing. Just like Emily's two-faced act, all smiles in front of him and knives in the back.

It's the classic saying: like mother, like daughter. How hadn't he seen it before? With a mother like Emily, an expert in deceit, Lucy had been soaking it all up since day one. How could Lucy turn out any different?

"Adopt Lucy?"

William's voice was deep, his tone so calm it was impossible to tell what he was feeling. Emily caught a glimmer of hope when William spoke, nodding eagerly. "Yes, William, if you adopt Lucy, she'll learn from you and turn into a wonderful person. That way, I can have peace of mind."

"Does she deserve it?"

Emily off with a

"What?"

second, questioning her own ears. Did she hear that right? William questioning if Lucy deserved it? Wasn't he always so fond

got

instinctively reached for his pant leg, trying to

"Get away!"

disheveled Emily on the floor, his lips

never miss a chance

shock. How did William see through

quickly shook her head, denying it, "William, you've got it wrong. I never thought like that. I just want Lucy to

"Shut up!"

overlook it because she wore the guise