The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 557

At that moment, she couldn't hold it in any longer. Overwhelmed, Evelyn slipped

into the kitchen, tears streaming down her face.

Charlie came looking for her.

He saw her crying.

"Mom, why are you crying?" he asked, his little voice full of concern.

Not wanting to shatter Charles's image in Charlie's heart, she forced herself to lie. "Mommy just accidentally pinched her hand, that's all."

Charlie believed her without question. He carefully took her hand in his, his brow furrowed with worry. "Here, Mommy, let me kiss it better. Then it won't hurt

anymore."

It was their special way-Evelyn and Charlie's-of showing they cared for each other.

Now, Evelyn found herself using the same gesture with Brooks.

"Mr. Brooks, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle as she hovered beside him.

The nurse, startled, snapped out of her daze, flustered as she realized she'd been slow to react. Dealing with important people always made her nervous-one wrong move and she could get into serious trouble.

nurse, but his eyes never left Evelyn. His gaze was intense,

him with such concern made Brooks feel

was

one thought: The pain is worth

softly on his wound the way she'd comforted Charlie. She froze, straightened up, and awkwardly shifted her feet

Are you feeling alright?" Brooks's voice was warm, his eyes running over

Evelyn replied

clouding

to

keep it clean, and avoid infection, there shouldn't

a quiet sigh of

nurse finished up quickly and excused

for Brooks's hospital gown, helping him slip his good arm through

side of Evelyn -so caring, so close-was almost

himself; he caught Evelyn's hand in his, his gaze locking with hers, his voice low and hopeful. "Eve do you... maybe like me?

looked at him just now was something he'd

seemed to hesitate, her lips

time, she didn't run

met Brooks's deep, yearning eyes

his voice trembling with excitement. In that

arms,

tightly around her.