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?"

it, his tone

gone

ask further and slipped her arm through his, letting Brooks lead her back into

so sorry about earlier. I didn't

mother had pretended to accept Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her at the dinner

you don't have to apologize. I'm fine," Evelyn said softly, shaking her

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

life for me. I'll do everything

at the top of her field-not just to fulfill

in that instant, realization struck. Evelyn had

hospital, over a month ago, that look of gratitude in her eyes hadn't come from being moved by his sincerity-she thought he was the one who

Brooks's heart sank.

her hand unconsciously

winced, her brow

Brooks's 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 hadn't, would you still have

caught

of question was

"if"

about to ask Brooks why he'd say such a

the place

emotions well, but his heart felt

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

him to look into Charles's

the phone, he returned to Evelyn's

in the

dissatisfaction with Evelyn had never been just about

only

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

Brooks's face darkened.

took her hand and led her out. They had just gotten into the car when

was his executive assistant, reporting

fire, Charles had pushed Evelyn toward him only to

investigation confirmed

news of his

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

had been hurt in that