The Day Our Promise Breaks

The moment Evelyn spoke, her eyes brimmed with tears.

She didn't want to say goodbye.

But she knew, deep down, there was nowhere left for her and Brooks to go. Carrying Charles's child had driven a wedge between her and Chloe that nothing could mend not this time.

And in the end, Brooks would have to choose: her or Chloe.

Brooks had always been good to her-too good. She already felt she owed him more than she could ever repay. She couldn't bring herself to force his hand, to make him choose. So, Evelyn made the choice for both of them and ended it.

Brooks sat in his car, gripping his phone in silence.

He couldn't find the words to ask her to stay. "Just give me a little more time❞— he'd wanted to say it, but it was just an excuse, a way to postpone letting go. But to say yes to breaking up? The word "okay" sat heavy on his tongue, refusing to come out.

He reached for the pack of cigarettes in the glove box and tapped one free. He wasn't a smoker-not really. Only when he was at the edge, when his nerves were frayed raw, would he light one.

On the other end of the line, Evelyn heard the flick of his lighter. Even though they weren't together, she could feel just how much it hurt him.

Neither hung up.

After what felt like forever, Brooks finally spoke, his voice rough and low. "Okay."

ability to care for

was the

matter what happens, if you ever

Even if they couldn't be together, he would never walk away. He'd be her safety net, quietly supporting her from the sidelines. Whenever

...

The call ended.

was the one

her eyes redder by the

stood behind her, silent, watching the pain twist

truly loved Brooks. He wasn't just a backup-she'd held

Charles

over,

Fighting down the jealousy bubbling inside, he said softly Eve,

this child. Does it really matter if I'm okay or

hand away, her tone

reminding herself, again and again, that she shouldn't keep this

that if she didn't,

talk like that. Our daughter would be sad

wanted to reach out, to comfort both her and the

...