The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 546

When Charles tried to stand up,

his legs buckled beneath him. He'd been kneeling for so long that pain shot through his body the moment he moved, cold sweat breaking out across his forehead.

His tall, broad-shouldered frame swayed unsteadily. He reached out just in time, bracing himself against the doorframe to keep from collapsing onto the polished church floor.

It took several moments for Charles to catch his breath and muster the strength to stand upright, teeth gritted against the throbbing ache in his knees.

Step by step, he forced himself forward, making his way deeper into the chapel.

He was led to the priest, and with a voice full of earnest sincerity, Charles said, "Father, I'd like to light a perpetual candle for my daughter, Charlie."

At the mention of Charlie's name, the priest gave Charles a curious look. "You're also Charlie's father?"

That word-also-made Charles freeze.

He was Charlie's only father. What did the priest mean, also?

The question soured something deep inside him. His voice dropped, sharp with irritation. "What do you mean by that?"

Just then, Brooks and Evelyn emerged from the back of the church, standing together in the soft glow of stained glass.

to light a candle for Charlie as well, accompanied by Evelyn.

priest said, folding his hands in

return, but the slight still stung. Charlie only ever had him for a

side by side, but he forced himself to focus-today was about Charlie. He

in his heart, Charles followed the priest to the altar to light a perpetual candle for

his heart full of silent prayers. Charlie's name echoed

his heart-flooded his thoughts,

...

just finished lighting their own candle for Charlie, knelt a few pews

and

that Charlie

and moved to

candle refused to

the flame

stubborn candle, then turned to

quietly, "I'm afraid I

draining of color. He nearly lost control, voice trembling as he demanded, "What

was icy, cutting through the hush of the church. "Charlie can't forgive you, Charles. She doesn't want your candle.

Charlie had loved Charles so fiercely-how disappointed must she

The idea that Charlie resented him-that

him