The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles knelt at the side of the hospital bed, one knee pressing into the glossy floor. He reached out, his hand trembling ever so slightly as he tried to place it gently on Evelyn's stomach. The excitement on his face was impossible to miss.

But before he could even touch her, Evelyn batted his hand away, her expression icy and implacable. "Charles, don't touch me."

“Okay, okay, Eve. I won't. Please, don't be upset." He wanted so badly to feel her belly, to connect with the life he hoped was growing inside her. But he knew any stress could hurt her, and that was the last thing he wanted. He pulled his hand back, trying to hide his disappointment.

...

Evelyn lowered her gaze, lashes veiling her eyes. Charles's sudden appearance had completely thrown her off. She'd already agonized over the decision to end this pregnancy-now she had to deal with him too, and it was almost more than she could bear.

She took a slow, steady breath, forcing herself to calm down. From the way Charles was acting, it was obvious he'd already found out. And the way he looked at her-so hopeful and emotional-he must be convinced the baby was his.

Evelyn knew better than anyone how much Charles wanted her to have another child. After Charlie died, the guilt had chewed him up inside. He'd never forgiven himself. And now, he was desperate for another chance, as if it could somehow make things right.

If Charles believed this was his child, he'd never let her go through with the abortion. But Evelyn was done-she refused to be tied to him any longer, refused to let her life spiral back into misery.

She knew exactly what Charles was capable of. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice. She had to make sure he never suspected the truth.

With a plan forming in her mind, Evelyn looked up and met Charles's eager eyes. Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Charles, you don't actually think this baby is yours, do you?"

The look of excitement slipped right off his face, replaced by shock. Her words were like a splash of ice water.

the

Charles, you saw me that night—I took

could be pregnant with your child. And

tone was final-no

Charles at first, lost in her own world. It wasn't until after she'd taken the pills, called Brooks, and was heading upstairs that she

purpose. She wanted him to know just how much she didn't want his child. She needed him to believe the baby

And it worked.

drained from Charles's face, leaving him pale and

He'd seen her take the

so happy when the doctor told him Evelyn was pregnant, thinking fate had given him another shot. But it was just

settled in his

would marry Brooks, become

I need to rest now," Evelyn said,

He'd knelt too long and almost stumbled as he

his voice rough with

talking to the doctor. He paused when he saw

Brooks hadn't blamed Evelyn, but he still hadn't forgiven Charles for taking

demeanor

then took her hand in his and gently rested his other hand on her stomach. "Are