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.

his arms,

you to use

steady and strong, his voice soft,

Evelyn didn't dare struggle too hard-she was afraid of

arms crossed over her chest, her whole body rigid, doing her best to avoid

took each step

One at a time.

last step, Evelyn snapped.

Charles set

The

stepped away,

touched the them as

as much distance

as she could. Convec

felt the sting of her

belongs

had been sweet as honey to him, but for Evelyn,

deeper than back in those years when he'd

the pain she must have endured alt those years-the silent coldness, the way he'd shut her

ignored her, every careless

the knife is when it cuts into

I'm sorry." He had a thousand things to say, but

long since turned cold, apologies