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?"

snapped out of it, his

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

her arm through his, letting Brooks lead her

I'm so sorry about earlier. I didn't

accept Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her at the

apologize. I'm fine," Evelyn

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

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

would work hard to stand at the top of her field-not just to fulfill the dream she'd shared with Charlie, but also

and in that instant, realization struck.

eyes hadn't

Brooks's heart sank.

grip on her hand

brow furrowing.

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

caught off

of question was

no "if" in

Brooks why he'd say such

ballroom-not the place

but his heart

he could, he made an excuse to step aside

him to

the phone, he

no one in the lavish ballroom dared look

with Evelyn had never been just

was only an

prepared a piece of jewelry she'd personally designed as a birthday gift for Mrs. Robinson, the older woman

Brooks's face darkened.

and led

was his executive assistant, reporting

and remembered how, during the fire, Charles had pushed

investigation confirmed his

news of his

asked, he would

hurt in that