The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 569

Charles immediately lifted his head, searching for Evelyn.

He saw her turned away, speaking with the doctor, and his eyes instantly

reddened.

It really was Eve.

He drank in the sight of her greedily, but when she turned around, he instinctively

shut his eyes again.

He couldn't let Evelyn realize he was awake.

He was terrified she'd leave him the moment she found out.

The doctor gave a few last instructions, which Aiden listened to intently.

Once the doctor left, Evelyn clearly had no intention of staying.

She looked at Aiden and said, "Aiden, I have something I need to take care of. I'll be heading out."

As she spoke, Evelyn walked to the bedside table to grab her purse.

Before she could reach it, a hand closed around hers.

Evelyn looked down at her hand, trapped in his.

She tried to pull free, but his grip only tightened.

Her gaze lingered for a few seconds before she looked back at Charles.

His eyes were still closed, feigning sleep, but the way he held her was anything but unconscious.

"Ms. Evelyn, Mr. Jenkins clearly doesn't want you to leave-even while asleep. Could you stay with him a bit longer? At least until he wakes up?" Aiden asked tentatively.

Evelyn didn't answer. She just stared at Charles, her voice calm and cool. "Charles, let go. I know you're awake."

he held her now was nothing like

instinct-he didn't want her

made Charles's heart clench. Though

met-his, red and raw from

ideas. The only reason I came last night was because you got hurt saving me and

grateful. But it

the past or her feelings toward

mother couldn't erase

happened with Charlie was a wound that

never forget the image of Charlie lying in

never forget how Charlie's kidney was taken, how she'd called Charles over and over, only to

never forget Charlie's final, heartbreaking words before

Charlie left this world full of

of the past was carved deep,

Charles understood.

bitterness flooded his

No

loosened his grip, though y slow, desperate

he

her for just a moment

pulled her hand away the instant she

a

she turned and walked

into Aiden at the door.

at the sight of her, he

followed Evelyn until she disappeared from view, only then

slept

no intention

she was just about to call for a

up beside

door opened, and

froze for a moment

"Brooks..."

started to explain, but he cut

"I understand."