The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles was completely absorbed, eyes fixed on the pages in front of him.

He was studying really studying.

When Evelyn woke and blinked her eyes open, this was the first thing she saw: Charles, sitting at the edge of the bed, the curtains drawn tight, reading lamp glowing quietly on the nightstand as he pored over a book about pregnancy and parenting.

He was so caught up in what he was reading, so focused, he didn't even notice she was awake.

Watching him, Evelyn couldn't help but think back.

When she was pregnant with Charlie, it had been her first time as a mom. She'd loved Charles so much back then, and she had been filled with hope for the little life growing inside her. But it was all new, and all unknown—so much uncertainty, so many things to worry about. She'd been anxious and scared, unable to help it.

Charles hadn't cared much about the baby then.

So she'd bought a pile of books herself, sitting just like this, turning each page slowly, taking careful notes.

Now, watching Charles, she couldn't stop thinking about how cold and distant he'd been with Charlie. Her expression grew visibly colder.

That's when Charles finally realized she was awake.

He set the book aside and stood up right away. "You must be hungry. I made some soup-come downstairs and have a little."

Evelyn hadn't had much appetite lately; she'd barely touched her lunch. She was pregnant, though-she knew she needed the nutrition.

want any," she said, her

had been spoiled his entire life. From the start, Evelyn had kept herself at arm's length-sharp words, cold

your health, and the baby's-just have a little, okay?" Charles tried to coax

just seeing your face makes me lose

bother hiding her

then suddenly moved. Before Evelyn could react, he gently but firmly scooped her up in his

her protests, he carried her straight

he set her right at the dining table. Then he disappeared into

bowl of steaming soup.

to her, setting the bowl in front of

bowl over. "Charles, do you not understand what I'm saying? told

piping hot, splashed all

his skin flush red instantly. Some drops even splattered onto

own burn. He grabbed Evelyn's hand gently,

red marks. "Don't move, I'll get you

up, grabbed the first-aid kit from the living room, and found the burn cream. He knelt beside her, carefully applying ointment

Evelyn tried

do now changes anything. Why can't you just let

paused, then said quietly, "I'll go get you

to the kitchen, returning with a