The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 553

Fortunately, when the cabinet came crashing down, Charles managed to dodge it with the momentum, narrowly avoiding a blow to the head.

But his leg wasn't so lucky-it was pinned beneath the heavy wood.

A wave of agony washed over Charles, sweat breaking out on his brow.

The flames quickly dried the sweat, leaving only the searing pain of his burns.

Every inch of his body felt scorched, the pain nearly unbearable.

Through the smoke and fire, Charles saw Brooks carrying Evelyn to safety. Relief loosened the knot in his chest.

He was trapped inside.

His strength was nearly gone.

The only thing keeping him going was the thought that he hadn't yet made amends with Evelyn or Ms. Josephine. With the last reserves of his energy, Charles managed to free his leg, but he was too weak to move the cabinet blocking the doorway.

His breaths came shorter, each one a struggle. Exhausted, he collapsed to the floor, unable to move another inch.

Just as the last hope seemed to fade, firefighters burst in, doused the flames, and pulled Charles from the burning building. His body was covered in burns, but he was alive-and rushed straight to the hospital.

At the Hospital

"Eve! Ms. Josephine!"

Charles jolted awake, pain burning through every nerve. He bolted upright in bed, panic etched on his face.

"Mr. Jenkins..."

noise, quickly turned and strode to Charles's side, trying to keep

his voice. "How are Eve and Ms. Josephine?

He'd been desperate to get Ms.

don't worry. Ms. Josephine and Ms. Evelyn got out in time, thanks to you. They just inhaled some smoke, but

was, Charles had been so focused on protecting them that he'd suffered the worst of the burns-especially on his

"Where are they?"

Charles

to life. He had to see for himself

he spoke, Charles was already throwing off the blanket, swinging

can't get up yet!"

condition was serious. The test results weren't even back

been firm: he needed to stay

they? Don't make me ask a third time," Charles demanded, his gaze icy and

the weight

Aiden didn't

finally told Charles which room and Josephine

word,

a bolt of pain

He

Aiden

rushed to steady him.bet

and Charles was

to

didn't give him a chance. After a moment of

his teeth and limped out of the

followed