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,

your Aunt Josephine's birthday. You've been gone too long

didn't ask further and slipped her arm through his, letting

earlier. I didn't

Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her at

apologize. I'm fine,"

the years. Especially that night, just over

her voice earnest. "You risked your life for me. I'll do everything I can to make your

her field-not just to fulfill the dream she'd shared with Charlie, but also to become the

eyes widened at her words, and in that

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

Brooks's heart sank.

grip on her

brow furrowing. "Brooks? What's

managed, "Evelyn, you agreed to be with me because you think I

caught

of

"if"

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

the place

emotions well, but

soon as he could, he made an excuse to

him to look

the phone, he returned to

no one in the lavish ballroom dared look

Mrs. Robinson's dissatisfaction with Evelyn had never been just about her

was only

Evelyn had prepared a piece of jewelry she'd personally designed as

Brooks's face darkened.

any more, so he took her hand and led her

was his executive assistant,

had pushed Evelyn toward

investigation confirmed his

had hidden news of his injury from

Brooks hadn't specifically asked, he would never have known

hurt