The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn shot Charles a frosty look, then turned away. She tossed back the covers, got up, and strolled toward the bathroom.

Inside, she noticed the floor was covered with brand-new non-slip mats-in her favorite color.

When she finished and went to wash up at the sink, there was a toothbrush waiting, toothpaste already squeezed out. Charles stood quietly by the door, watching her.

The scene was painfully familiar.

For five years, whenever Charles spent the night, no matter how rough he'd been

or how exhausted she was, she'd drag herself up in the morning to get everything ready for him—his toiletries set out, his clothes pressed.

Now, the roles had reversed. Charles was fussing over every detail, tiptoeing around her, desperate to please.

A cold, mocking smile curled at Evelyn's lips.

Love that shows up late isn't worth a dime.

Without a word, she rinsed off the toothbrush, squeezed a fresh line of toothpaste, changed the glass, and went about brushing her teeth and washing her face.

Charles just stood there, silent, watching.

He waited by her side until she was done, until she brushed past him and headed downstairs. Instantly, he fell in step behind her.

Just as Evelyn reached the stairs, Charles scooped her up from behind.

put me down!" she protested, squirming in his arms, wanting

you to use the stairs. I'll let you go once

and strong,

hard-she was afraid of

crossed over her chest, her whole body rigid, doing her best to avoid any more contact

each

One at a time.

last step, Evelyn snapped.

set her

The

stepped away,

them as

as much distance

as she could. Convec

felt the sting of

belongs

to him, but for Evelyn, it

deeper than back in

the first time, Charles truly felt the pain she must have endured alt

ignored her, every careless

knife is when

things to say, but only those words made

to Evelyn, whose heart had long since