The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 564

Charles's movement as he got into the car noticeably faltered.

His large hand, braced on the car door for support, trembled.

That long-lost note of concern in Eve's voice crashed over Charles's heart like a tidal wave.

Eve still cared about him.

But the fleeting happiness lasted only a moment.

Bitterness followed right after.

Charles knew better than anyone: the only reason Evelyn-who'd always treated him so coldly—showed him any concern tonight was because he'd finally told her, in front of everyone, that she was now officially Ms. Evelyn Jenkins of the Jenkins family. She could finally let go and feel at ease.

She understood. By saying that, he was making it clear: he wouldn't trouble her anymore.

Afraid she'd notice anything unusual, Charles forced down the bitterness inside. He turned to Evelyn, his expression composed, and said, "It's nothing. I just scraped my leg a little a couple of days ago. No big deal."

Since he said that, Evelyn didn't press further.

She'd blurted the question out on instinct.

Whether he was hurt or not had nothing to do with her anymore.

But Charles's leg really couldn't hold up any longer. He offered Evelyn a gentle smile, then bent to get into the car.

As soon as the door shut, Charles's self-control crumbled.

Slumping back against the seat, his breathing turned ragged and harsh.

Aiden, witnessing it all, blanched.

He didn't dare delay any longer, slamming his foot on the gas as the car sped away from the manor.

Evelyn didn't watch the car leave.

The moment it disappeared, she pulled her gaze back-only to find Brooks still staring after it, his expression clouded with worry.

She asked, concern in her voice, "Brooks, what's wrong?"

out of it, his tone

Aunt Josephine's birthday. You've been gone too long already. We should

slipped her arm through his, letting Brooks lead

I'm so sorry about earlier.

his mother had pretended to accept Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her

you don't have to apologize. I'm fine," Evelyn

her over the years. Especially that night, just over a month ago—the night of

for me. I'll do everything I can to make your family

of her field-not just to fulfill the dream

eyes widened at her words, and in that

in her eyes hadn't come from being moved by his sincerity-she thought he was the one who

Brooks's heart sank.

on her hand

brow furrowing. "Brooks?

throat. After a long pause, he finally managed, "Evelyn, you agreed to be with me because you think I saved you that night, didn't you? If I

was caught

of question was

was no "if" in

about to ask Brooks why he'd say such a thing, but

ballroom-not the place for such a

his emotions well, but his heart felt heavier

churned. As soon as he could, he made an excuse

him to look into

the phone, he

in the lavish ballroom

Evelyn had never been just

was only

Evelyn had prepared a piece of jewelry she'd personally designed as a birthday gift for Mrs.

Brooks's face darkened.

and led her out. They had

his executive

and remembered how, during the fire, Charles had pushed Evelyn toward him only to have his own leg trapped

investigation confirmed his

had hidden news of

hadn't specifically asked, he would never have

hurt in that