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?"

of it, his

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

ask further and slipped her arm through his,

earlier. I didn't know my mother

in front of him, only to attack her at

apologize. I'm fine," Evelyn said softly,

the years. Especially

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

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

eyes widened at her words, and in that instant,

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

Brooks's heart sank.

on her hand

brow furrowing. "Brooks? What's

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

of

was no "if" in her

to ask Brooks why he'd say such a

ballroom-not the place for such a

well, but his heart felt heavier than

churned. As soon as he could, he made an excuse to step aside

him to look into Charles's

he returned to

Charles's appearance, no one in the lavish ballroom dared look down

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 a birthday gift for

Brooks's face darkened.

want Evelyn to endure any more, so he took her hand and led her out. They had just gotten into the

his executive

fire, Charles had pushed Evelyn toward him only

confirmed

news of his injury

Brooks hadn't specifically asked, he would never have

had been hurt in that