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

"What?"

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

got Lucy all

instinctively reached for his pant leg, trying to understand what

"Get away!"

at the disheveled Emily on the floor, his lips cured into a mocking grin, his voice icy as he said, "You think convincing me to adopt Lucy is just another way to get under Eve's

never miss a chance to make

shock. How did William see through

I never thought like that.

"Shut up!"

from her now was pure scheming. But once upon a time, he chose to overlook it because she wore the guise of someone he once cared for. He never dared to use his business savvy to see through her act.