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 tone gentle.

birthday. You've been gone too long already. We should get

arm through his, letting Brooks lead

sorry about earlier. I didn't know my

remembering how his mother had pretended to accept Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her at the dinner party, picking at her background. He felt nothing but

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

years. Especially that night, just over

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

field-not just to fulfill the dream she'd shared

in that

her eyes hadn't come from being moved by

Brooks's heart sank.

on her hand unconsciously

her brow furrowing. "Brooks?

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

was caught off

kind of question was

no "if"

he'd say such a

ballroom-not the place for such

but his heart felt heavier

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

his assistant, instructing him to look into Charles's

off the phone, he returned

appearance, no one in the lavish

had never been just about

only an

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

Brooks's face darkened.

to endure any more, so he took her hand and led her out. They

was his executive

seeing something wrong with Charles's leg, and remembered how, during the fire, Charles had pushed Evelyn toward him only to have his

investigation confirmed

of his injury from

hadn't specifically asked, he

hurt in