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..."

startled by the noise, quickly turned and strode to Charles's side, trying

his voice. "How are

been desperate to get Ms. Josephine and Eve out-he hadn't even

time, thanks to you. They just inhaled

had been so focused on protecting them that he'd suffered the

"Where are they?"

could Charles possibly

and Eve barely clinging to life. He had to see for himself that they were safe—he

was already throwing off the blanket, swinging his legs over the side of

Jenkins, you can't get

serious. The test results weren't

been firm: he needed to

are they? Don't make me ask a third time," Charles

the weight of

Aiden didn't

told Charles which room and

word, Charles stood

of pain shot through his left

He

Aiden

rushed to steady him.bet

Charles was drenched in cold

Jenkins..." Aiden tried to reason with him

didn't give him a chance.

and limped out of the

worried, followed close